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Lewiston parks director identifies major leaks at Orchards and Burt Lips pools; recommends repairs and funding plan
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Summary
Parks Director Justin Glenn reported pressure tests and a 10-day evaporation study found a significant leak at Orchards Pool (expansion joint failure) and subterranean piping issues affecting Burt Lips; Glenn recommended repair work with contractor estimates of about $14,000 for Orchards and $372,000 for Burt Lips and asked council for direction to authorize combined funding and return with formal proposals.
Justin Glenn, Lewiston's facilities parks and recreation director, presented an inspection and testing summary for two municipal pools and recommended proceeding with repairs to bring both assets back into safe operation.
Glenn said his team conducted a 10-day evaporation and leakage monitoring test and pressure testing on the pools with assistance from certified pool operators and an industry consultant (WMS Aquatics). At Orchards Pool the city recorded very high water loss (Glenn reported about five inches of pool-water loss per day in the controlled test) and identified an expansion-joint separation near the center of the pool as the primary leakage source; deck heaving and two-inch gaps on the pool deck were described as life-safety concerns that require prompt attention. Glenn reported contractor pricing for the expansion-joint repair at about $14,000 and said some deck and miscellaneous pipe repairs could be completed internally by city staff with contractor guidance.
At Burt Lips, Glenn said pressure testing showed the surge tank holds water and the pool vessel is structurally sound, but city staff found water feeding into the pool area from burst irrigation pipes and corroded drains in nearby green space; Glenn recommended a new liner and pool-house renovations. Contractor estimates for full repairs and pool-house renovation at Burt Lips were presented at about $372,000. Glenn noted a previously approved $195,000 allocation for a pool liner (approved by council in Feb. 2025 but not executed) that would reduce the incremental funding needed.
Councilors asked about timelines, operating costs and funding sources. Glenn estimated seasonal operating expenses at roughly $100,000 to $128,000 and said a realistic target for reopening at least one pool would be the summer 2026 season, subject to finalized quotes and funding approvals. He asked the council for direction to combine scope and funding options, pursue internal work where feasible and return with detailed quotes and a resolution authorizing any required appropriations.
Councilors including Speickelmeyer, Wright, Forsman and Parchment voiced support for proceeding with Glenn's recommended approach and asked staff to return with full cost breakdowns and comparisons to remaining building-fund balances before final approval.
What remains: Glenn will obtain specific contractor quotes, finalize a procurement plan and return to council with a formal funding resolution and timeline.
