Some pool repairs can be completed by Memorial Day, Lawton city staff says

Repairs to get Lawton’s wading pools can be funded and completed in three months, but the work needed to get the municipal swimming pool back in operation will need a City Council decision on exactly what is to be done and how to pay for it.

Council members will get an update on the city’s aquatic recreation features today when Parks and Recreation Director Larry Parks reports on the status of the city’s “existing aquatic facilities” and plans to have them ready for use by Memorial Day — if possible. City staff has said that will be more difficult for the municipal pool adjacent to Mattie Beal Park on South 11th Street, because of what they call significant leaks in the plumbing system and vital filter work. In his report, Parks said pressure testing determined the main drains are inoperable and return lines on the deep end of the pool are cracked. Both must be repaired if the pool is to operate, according to the pool experts tapped by the city for opinions.

In addition, the pool’s filter is undersized and “on its last legs” and the pool needs to be repainted. Analysis also shows that even if plumbing problems were resolved, the pool is not level.

In his presentation, Parks said the municipal pool is past the point of routine repairs, adding that while repairs to the three wading pools and two splash parks can be included in this year’s operational budget, repairs to the municipal pool cannot because they are “substantial and essential to the operation of the pool.”

If the council opts to take action, city staff recommendations include contracting with Westmoreland Pools to repair the main drain and return line, a three-month project estimated at $114,115. Another recommendation would be to contract with Westmoreland or Sunbelt to repair the main drain and deep end return, a project that could range from $52,469 to $85,000 (depending on the contractor selected), but one that also may uncover more problems. The staff analysis said the city also has the option of building a new, smaller pool in the same location at an estimated cost of $350 per square foot, a 13-month project.

Wading pools

The news is better for the wading pools in 35th Division, Harmon and Mocine parks, and two splash pads, because designated costs there total $15,870 for the wading pools and another $5,900 for routine maintenance on the splash pad in Elmer Thomas Park and the Clement Washington splash pad. All work can be accomplished in time for the 2024 season, according to the analysis.

The wading pools need to have their shells sealed, painted and reconditioned. In addition, Harmon and Mocine — both unused in summer 2023 — need new filter pumps, and filter media, sanitizer and flow meters must be replaced. The 35th Division Park pool needs extensive plumbing work to clear its deck of filter apparatus, and also needs to replace filter media, sanitizer and flow meters.

City staff has designated Splash Pools to do some prep work for the coming season, to include draining and cleaning the pools, then caulking, painting and sealing them.