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Nightsfield spray ground will stay closed this summer; city adds temporary free bus stop to Freelander pool
Summary
City staff told the Wooster City Council that an electrical failure damaged pumps at Nightsfield spray ground, delaying repairs into mid-July; the city secured ODOT approval and a temporary, free WGO bus stop at Freelander pool to serve affected patrons while staff surveys users.
On June 15, 2026, Wooster’s mayor and city staff announced that Nightsfield spray ground will not open this summer after an unforeseen electrical failure damaged pumps and an associated transformer.
“Unfortunately…Nightsfield Spray Ground will not be open this summer,” the mayor said, expressing disappointment and flagging follow-up reports that would come later. City staff explained the technical problem: when crews attempted to restart winterized pumps they experienced faults that “blew the line out of the AP transformer” and subsequently damaged pump circuitry, leaving the facility inoperable until replacement parts arrive.
Phil (city staff) told council the replacement pumps have about a one-month lead time. “We are at about a one month delay and how soon those can come. If we ordered it today, it wouldn't be here till the middle of July. Pool season ends August 15th,” he said, underscoring the short window for repairs this year.
To reduce the impact on residents who typically use Nightsfield, the administration worked with ODOT and Wooster’s transit operator (WGO) to add a temporary stop at Freelander pool and provide free fare for patrons displaced by the closure. According to staff, the service begins the coming Saturday; the stop will be outside Freelander and the existing Community Action stop will serve inbound passengers. Per the announced rules, riders 12 and older may ride unaccompanied; children under 12 must travel with an adult, consistent with pool policy.
Staff also said they will take advantage of the closure to survey Nightsfield users and neighbors to identify who uses the facility and where they live, noting Nightsfield previously accounted for roughly 2–3% of the city’s aquatic-facility usage but serves a neighborhood with concentrated users.
Council members praised the quick mitigation planning and asked staff to publicize the temporary transit stop and survey widely. No formal vote was required for the closure notice; the council will receive follow-up information as staff completes the survey and the repair procurement process.
