Pool staff and supporters urge repairs and reopening as city staff flags structural concerns

Amanda Abrahamson, the lifeguard supervisor at the Crookston Community Pool, appealed to the City Council during public comment to keep the pool open and to repair the fire alarm system so lessons and community programs can resume. "Our community pool provides invaluable benefits to Crookston residents of all ages, abilities, and budgets," Abrahamson said, noting summer attendance averaged about 350 sign-ins per week and that the pool ran lessons for more than 60 children this summer. She also told the council she believes the school has not budgeted a $30,000 payment it is contractually expected to make to the city, a shortfall she said affects the pool's bottom line.

Later in the meeting, Jeff (city staff) reported he had toured the pool mechanical areas with parks and recreation staff and said he identified “between 10 and between 12 critical failure points,” including degraded concrete ledges holding an underwater window and problems with piping and filtration components. Jeff said contractors are scheduled to make repairs to actuators and control panels this week, and the city has engaged a structural engineering firm to provide a focused evaluation and a quote for a structural analysis. "I want to provide a safe environment for our residents," Jeff said, explaining the city will not reopen the facility until occupancy and fire-safety requirements are met and structural issues are addressed.

Council members asked staff to return with the engineer’s report and cost estimates before making further policy or budget decisions. The pool matter remains open; staff said they expect reports and repair updates in the coming days and will notify council when the facility meets occupancy and safety standards.