CALDWELL, Idaho — This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press.
Caldwell residents may have to go another summer without access to the municipal pool.
Robb MacDonald, the city’s public works director, told the Caldwell City Council on Tuesday night that the work being done to upgrade the pool had hit logistical challenges that had delayed work, likely putting its reopening beyond this summer.
The city was initially hoping for a July 24 opening date, but that may not be feasible now due to a combination of unforeseen delays and the unpredictability of spring weather, MacDonald said.
“Our philosophy is that it makes more sense for us to make sure we take our time and get it done right than to try to push through so that we can open up for three weeks in the summer,” he said.
The area the pool is located in has “a lot of groundwater,” and work crews discovered an 18-inch pipe flowing with water that the city did not know existed, MacDonald said. An old geothermal well with a vast array of pipes needed to be "abandoned," he said. Additionally, excavation under the pool’s deep end revealed materials that needed excavation, he said.
When the city announced that it had accepted a bid for the work last summer, the notice said, "we fully understand what a valuable resource this is for our citizens, and we thank the community for their patience." An earlier summer update suggested that community members seek out swimming lessons at the Caldwell YMCA while the municipal pool is out of service.
At the meeting, councilmembers expressed an interest in alerting the public to the delays and likelihood of the pool not reopening this year.
Char Jackson, the communications director for the city, indicated she would be sending out a press release about the pool’s status, as well as posting social media updates.
Councilman Chuck Stadick suggested putting a notice in people’s water bills.
“We kind of promised everyone that we’d be open this summer,” Stadick said, “so we’re going to get some phone calls, I’ll guarantee you that. But this would help if we do a really good job and communicate.”
The city discovered an electrical issue with the pool in 2021. A subsequent investigation revealed a large leak below the pool. The city’s budget for fiscal year 2023 included money to restore the pool, and Beniton Construction was selected for its winning bid of $4.2 million for the project.
This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press, read more on IdahoPress.com.
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