After five months of repair, the Wrangell community pool reopened to the public May 20, just in time for the onset of summery weather. An open house celebrating the repairs was held that evening, with residents finally able to take a dip for the first time this year.
Wrangell's pool was built in 1986 as part of improvements to the adjoining middle school. Following detection of a leak last year and the pool's Dec. 18 closure, Jensen Yorba Lott was contracted to perform the first-ever comprehensive condition survey of the pool and community center facilities.
A list of repairs, updates and maintenance issues were identified, with the daunting price tag of $1,997,840. The full price includes 12-percent upticks for design work, inspection and contingency fees, respectively.
“A lot of those other things we will just have to do over time as money is available,” Wrangell Borough Manager Jeff Jabusch explained.
Big-ticket items included repairing the pool leak and installing insulation in exterior walls, a new roof system, siding replacement and paint. Mechanically, the pool's water heat exchanger, circulation pump controls, salt mixing system and hot water tank needed replacement.
The city focused on immediate fixes to get it refilled and usable, replacing the heat exchanger and patching the leak using local contractors. Costs for repairs were already budgeted for maintenance, and some of the funds were initially slated for locker replacement.
Though reopened, the pool is currently short-staffed in terms of lifeguards. The Parks Department lost four certified staffers since the closure, whom will take time to replace.
“There may be times when we won't be able to open for lap swims,” Parks director Kate Thomas said.
Certification involves a 30-hour course, consisting of practical skills training and a theoretical curriculum. Thomas estimates the course costs $150 and requires three, three-hour classes a week. Those already certified or those who would be interested in gaining certification are invited to contact Thomas or Victoria Martin.
The department, along with the Park Board, is currently ironing out rates for the pool and other amenities. Thomas said they are looking at establishing a daily rate for casual users and at pricing a pass as well, which would help user groups better pay for the time they need to use the pool. The board's rate schedule discussions are ongoing, following rejection of a draft proposal by the Assembly in January.
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