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Engineering review finds major structural damage at Nelsonville Aquatic Center; council to discuss replacement options
Summary
A structural evaluation presented to Nelsonville City Council documents long-term leakage, settlement and voids at the Nelsonville Aquatic Center and recommends demolition and reconstruction; council scheduled follow-up discussion on financing and alternatives including a splash-pad option.
A structural evaluation of the Nelsonville Aquatic Center presented at the meeting concluded the facility has sustained progressive deterioration and extensive water infiltration that undermines the pool foundation and walls. The engineering report, which compiled prior American Leak Detection work (2022–2023) and a 03/05/2026 structural evaluation, described settling, cracking, voids and failed repairs and recommended demolition and reconstruction rather than further incremental repairs.
The report noted gaps in original construction documentation and the absence of geotechnical records, which limit the ability to evaluate the original engineering assumptions. Presenters summarized prior remediation work and invoices (an American Leak Detection invoice of $17,286 was cited for 2022 repairs) and said the pattern of recurring repairs suggests long-term deterioration rather than a single sudden failure.
Council members discussed alternatives and the financial pathways for replacement, including applying to NatureWorks and other grant sources and exploring splash-pad options that may lower operating costs and lifeguard requirements. Staff said the report and exhibits would be posted online and that a follow-up session with the auditor and finance advisers would be held to review financing options and a recommended timeline.
Why it matters: The aquatic center has served residents for decades and its closure or replacement affects recreation budgets, liabilities and community amenities. The engineering recommendation for demolition shifts the issue from repair to capital replacement planning.
Next steps: Council scheduled a follow-up meeting with finance staff to evaluate funding options and to consider site remediation, demolition timelines and grant opportunities. No final decision to demolish or replace was made at this meeting.
