Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Pool Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee member outlines pool-opening plan, water-testing schedule and equipment needs
Summary
At a Washburn Park Board meeting, a committee member described plans to drain and clean the pool, recommended official water tests in a 25th–28th window, and said a successful two-step testing sequence could allow opening around July 4–5; the board discussed staffing, lifeguard readiness and small equipment purchases.
A committee member detailed the park’s plan to prepare the municipal pool for the season, including manual basin cleaning, water testing and equipment repairs. The member said the board aims to schedule official water tests Monday–Wednesday in the 25th–28th window and added that "I think it could be doable" for the pool to open if the first and second tests pass.
The member described cleaning out debris from drains and basin areas to improve chemical testing results and reduce chemical usage, and asked to be notified "when he has all of the water out so that we can start, to get a few kids to come down and help," signaling reliance on volunteers for initial cleanup.
Staffing and hours were discussed: the member recalled prior-season hours (Monday–Friday 12 p.m.–8 p.m., weekends 12 p.m.–6 p.m.) and said the board must ensure enough certified lifeguards are on duty. The member noted that staff who have not completed lifeguard certification might still assist with cleaning and preparatory tasks but must not replace certified lifeguards for supervised swim operations.
Smaller equipment and procurement items were also raised. The member described measuring for a concession freezer and weighing options to put a smaller unit in a different location (such as a basement) to extend its life. Replacement parts for facility fixtures were discussed with sample vendor estimates between about $300 and $600 for some components, which the member said is preferable to purchasing full replacements.
On accessibility, the member said the existing ramp design would not meet the necessary angle for safe pool entry and that the board plans to use a portable lift as an interim solution while longer-term work is considered.
The member emphasized timing contingencies: if the initial two standard tests clear, the pool could be ready for public use near July 4–5; if a test fails, additional testing and corrective actions would delay opening. The member closed by urging coordination of volunteers and staff to meet testing windows so the facility can open promptly.
