Current pool, tennis courts remain open through season
By Ed Nadolski
Editor in Chief
Preliminary preparation of Burlington’s new aquatic center site began in earnest late last week after the City Council approved a resolution allowing the use of fill from the nearby Kendall Street reconstruction project.
And although patrons of the current pool will have to tolerate orange safety fences and construction traffic for the next two-and-a-half months, the pool remains open for its 50th and final season. With temperatures eclipsing 90 degrees on Monday, the pool was a popular place early this week.
While swimmers were busy cooling off, crews from Reesman’s Excavating were busy prepping Devor Park in area behind the pool and below the Origen Street water tower.
Once the site, at 394 Amanda St., is ready trucks will begin hauling in a total of 13,500 cubic yards of fill from the street construction project to raise the low spots at the back of the park. The fill is needed to accommodate the expanded footprint of the proposed waterpark.
City Administrator Carina Walters said that by linking the two projects, the city will save approximately $200,000 when compared to hauling in fill from more remote areas.
A delay of nearly six weeks in the street project – caused by the discovery of prehistoric human bones in the area – gave city officials time to coordinate the two projects.
Walters said she believed it was good for taxpayers, who approved spending up to $5.6 million for the aquatic center by a 70-percent margin in a referendum last November, to see progress at the site.
In a news release issued after last week’s Common Council meeting, city officials said: “The city appreciates your patience, especially to the neighbors and patrons of the pool, during this important phase. We look forward to opening the doors to the new pool and all its amenities for the 2018 season. In the meantime, don’t forget to visit the pool all summer long for great events, relaxation and good old summer fun!”
Work on the new aquatic center will begin after the current pool closes for the season Aug. 25. That facility will be demolished and replaced with a modern waterpark and service building. The goal is for the new facility to be ready for the 2018 summer season.
Plans call for construction of two vessels – one a zero-depth entry tank with playground-like apparatus and a current channel for resistive water walking; and another with lap lanes, a diving board, waterslides and perhaps a climbing wall. An expanded pool deck will offer lounges, tables and shade structures.
The new building will feature expanded locker room, staff and concessions areas in addition to a flexible use space that can be adapted for use by the pool or separate park activities.
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