Aquatics Facility

 

As we highlighted in a prior committee update, the aquatics facility is coming to the end of its operability in several areas.  There have been a myriad of repairs over the last decade that have band-aided the major underlying concerns.  We are unfortunately to the point where this type of patching is no longer a viable operating strategy.

1. One of the major structural concerns surrounding the pool itself is the concrete.  Over time, the chemicals and water erode the grout on the tiles of the pool and cause them to break free.  When that occurs, it allows water to permeate the concrete which reacts with the rebar in the concrete.  As a result that causes cracks in the concrete.  
2. The HVAC system is also nearing the end of its operability and will need to be replaced.
3. The plumbing to the locker room facilities is in need of significant repairs.
4. As soon as we begin this level of construction, we will be required to make significant ADA updates to the facility as well to meet compliance requirements.
5. Finally, the exterior window structures will need to be replaced as well.

As you can imagine, this is a very costly endeavor with initial estimates between $2.5 to $3 million dollars and 18-24 months of construction. 

Our latest inspection was completed in December of 2023 and as a result minor repairs were made to keep the facility safe and operable.  At that time we chose to limit use of the pool to our academic phys ed classes and our PIAA swim team, in an abundance of caution to ensure that our students had priority and access to the pool.  

Following a recent review and evaluation by our team after the swim season, we are prepared to be able to, once again, offer the use of this facility to our public in the form of swimming lessons, aqua aerobics, and community swims.  

It is important to note that this decision comes with the understanding that should repairs be required during that time we may need to temporarily or permanently suspend the use of the pool to make necessary repairs if possible.  

As we have shared in a previous report, we have been operating at a significant deficit operating cost.  In order to return to operability we will need to make adjustments to the fee structures of swimming lessons, aqua aerobics, and community swims.  The purpose of this is not to gain revenue for the expected construction costs, but to provide a fiscally responsible operating model for running this facility.  

We are convening a team internally to develop and publish a new fee structure and we will publish it on our website in the coming weeks.

The life span of this facility is limited and renovation will take a significant amount of money and time.  It is also with that same understanding that should future inspections require closure for significant repairs, we should be prepared to understand that will cause a long term and potential permanent closure of the pool.  

With this information, we are also seeking potential off-site locations for our PIAA swim team should we need to relocate.

Similar to our previous conversation regarding the 150 Country Club property we heard the concerns of our constituency and would like to offer the same form of communication we did in that manner.  

An email account has been created for interested patrons to provide possible solutions for funding such as grants, endowments and other charitable opportunities to support future construction and operational efforts. This email address is [email protected].