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Mountain Valley Splash to close after 2026 season; town outlines repairs and new aquatics facility planning
Summary
Staff reported immediate repair needs at Mountain Valley Splash — including a broken suction line that leaves the splash pad inoperable and slide defects — estimated at roughly $218,000; council was told 2026 will be the facility's final full season while design work begins for a new aquatics center.
Town parks staff told the Town Council that Mountain Valley Splash will operate for a final full season in 2026 and that the town is moving toward design and construction of a new aquatics facility.
A parks presenter summarized near-term condition issues at the 1995 facility: plaster degradation that can cause turbidity, electrical capacity constraints, slide gel‑coating 'crazing' that poses a safety risk and an inoperable splash pad caused by a broken underground suction line. Staff estimated immediate lifecycle and repair costs around $218,000.
Because of slide surface deterioration, staff said the slide will be closed for safety this season. The splash pad remains inoperable until the suction line is repaired. ‘‘We can’t even get the water there right now because that underground pipe is broken,’’ the presenter said.
Staff also said the town will issue a request for proposals to select an architect and contractor team to design a new, likely enclosed, aquatics facility; design and construction will extend beyond 2027, so staff are exploring interim options so residents and youth teams do not lose access. Suggested interim approaches include partnerships with homeowners associations, neighboring jurisdictions and the local college.
To mark the facility’s final season, staff proposed community events (May 23 ’90s throwback, June 27 pirates theme, and an August 1 closing luau) and a ‘‘leave your mark’’ handprint wall during open swim. Council discussed whether to charge a nominal fee in the future; staff recommended maintaining free access for the last season and developing fee and cost‑recovery structures for the new facility.
No formal decisions on repairs or construction funding were made at the study session; council directed staff to continue the planning process and return with options.
