Willowwood pool assessment flags deep‑end concrete and piping risks; major repair and replacement estimates range from $7M to $15M

Director Stashelm and project lead Seth updated the council on the aquatic center work and a draft Willowwood facility assessment that identified several high‑risk components and a range of repair and replacement costs.

Stashelm summarized the steering committee review and said the existing concept (previously proposed at roughly 27,000 square feet) is being refined to emphasize community needs. Seth described the assessment’s technical findings: advanced spalling in the lap pool deep end (with similar, less advanced spalling elsewhere in the lap pool), an aging pool piping system with inlets expected to be at high risk within 0–5 years, and settling/cracking in the filter building that requires monitoring.

Seth presented cost scenarios: ongoing short‑term repairs likely costing tens to hundreds of thousands annually; a package of long‑term corrections to extend usable life for 15–20 years at roughly $8 million; a full replacement keeping the Willowwood character estimated at $7–10 million; a more modern neighborhood facility (with features such as a lazy river and slides) estimated at $11–15 million; and a lower‑cost option to remove the pool and convert to a neighborhood park at $5–7 million.

Council members asked for refinements to seating, separation between children’s areas and lap lanes, and clarification of phasing and cost estimates. Staff said they will return in July with revised designs and cost estimates based on the steering‑committee feedback.

Why it matters: The assessment identifies structural and mechanical risks that threaten reliable pool operation and sets a range of capital costs that will be central to future budget and policy choices.

What’s next: Staff will return with updated designs, cost estimates and a recommended phased approach for the council to consider in subsequent meetings.