OREGON – Nash Recreation Center is beginning Week 3 of the pool shutdown and change continues every day.
The Park District has received many questions regarding the pool shutdown. The most common question is why now and why not when we were shut down during COVID?
Each year the district typically shuts down in the last two weeks of August for pool maintenance, painting, cleaning, and any other mechanical repairs that are needed. August was chosen because attendance typically drops after the first week of August with preparations for back to school, school beginning and patrons enjoying the last of summer. It is also preferred to shut down when it is warmer to give patrons an outside alternative for exercise.
While shutting down an entire month isn’t ideal, the scope of projects is immense and have been in the capital improvement plan for 4 years slated for 2021. The Oregon Park District Capital Improvement Plan is a document that allows for budgeting and planning to ensure facility and property is properly maintained and gives a roadmap to accomplish the district’s goals.
COVID took everyone by surprise in March of 2020. Capital improvements dollars for 2020 were already allocated that included the gymnasium floor renovation. The current pool project costs are $216,435. While several small remodeling projects were completed while the facility was closed, bringing outside contractors in wasn’t an option during shutdown and the funds weren’t available for a large-scale project.
The current project involves the coordination of three different contractors. Bids for the project were awarded in May and June with the stipulation of the project being completed in August.
The original pool was constructed in 1986. The first major remodel was completed in 2013 and consisted of new translucent panels, replacement of panels with new windows, shade structures and full repainting of the interior walls and pool.
Several layers of paint were removed during the repainting in 2013, but it was discovered that over the years many different layers had been added. Some adhered and some didn’t in areas. This caused areas that needed plaster repair. Paint continues to peel and after several recommendations since 2013, sandblasting and returning to the original was the only option. Painting was just a band aid that needed to be completed every two years.
Sandblasting the pool to the original shell occurred in the first two weeks of construction and it was discovered the paint was 1 inch thick on the walls and even thicker on the floor from all the painting over the years! Sandblasting took two weeks; painting will take one week and then paint will need to cure for ten days. Once cured, the 186-thousand-gallon pool will take 4 days to fill, then chemicals will be added, and everything will need to be regulated.
The locker rooms had the original tile and severely dated the facility. Tile was removed from the walls and sanded down to the original surface. This took place in the first two weeks. Tile will be laid during week three then extensive clean-up will occur as well with staff replacing plumbing fixtures, new bench fixtures and reinstalling bathroom partitions.
The spa will be retiled and have a fresh new look. Tile was deteriorating and the sand from the grout was routinely in the water from the years of chemicals used to keep everything sanitary.
In addition to the cosmetic changes, the maintenance staff is equally excited about the mechanical updates. Over $30,000 was invested in pool pump and valve updates to convert to electronic controls vs. manual to keep the pool running efficiently. Staff was excited to replace many old valves that had outlived their usefulness before they failed causing a premature pool shutdown.
Capital Improvement Renovation Budget includes:
Locker Room Tile Replacement: $112,500
Pool Shell Sandblasting & repainting: $56,800
Spa Re-Tiling/Grouting: $14,635
Locker Room Equipment Updates: $2,500
Pool Pump and Valve Updates: $30,000
TOTAL: $216,435
While the district understands inconvenience is great to many people, the district strives to maintain one of the best park districts in the area. The upgrades to the facility will benefit not only Oregon residents but the many towns that utilize the facility for years to come and improve the facility for the long term.
