EDITORIAL: Lincoln Pool should be on next year’s priority list

It was disturbing to hear the news of the rapid demise of the Lincoln Park swimming pool at a recent City Council meeting. The pool had a rough summer because of filtration  and mechanical issues, causing it to be closed 30 percent of the summer. At times the water was so cloudy and murky that lifeguards could not see the bottom of the pool clearly.

The Lincoln Pool is a neighborhood treasure. It is one of the few city amenities in that part of the city. While its location was tucked away in the far northeast corner, families from across the city enjoyed its relatively compact size and friendly staff. It is much smaller than the Island Oasis and had more of a neighborhood atmosphere. It is the only city facility that could accommodate diving lessons.

Parks Department staff have said that replacing the pool would cost at least $1.75 million if were similar in size to the Lincoln pool. Repair of the facility would cost $500,000 for just the filtration and drainage system.

Several individuals, including Mayor Hornady and councilwoman Joyce Haase, have expressed interest in replacing the Lincoln Pool with a competition pool. That has been on city radar for many years, but Parks and Recreation director Steve Paustian has estimated that such a facility would cost $3.5 million to $4.5 million. Given the tight budget situation facing the city, that would be tough to handle this year.

Lincoln Pool repairs or replacement costs were not included in the recently adopted budget.

In a tight budget year like the one now underway, the city is in a tough bind. If Jackie Pielstick, the longtime councilwoman from Ward Four who died 18 months ago, were still alive, she would be fighting for a replacement with every ounce of her considerable energy. She would be right to do so.

We support looking hard at a new pool, possibly a competition pool, to replace the current facility, which is a health hazard in its current state. The costs are significant and replacement may not be realistic for this year. However, we believe that the neighborhood and city need another first class pool facility. It should be the highest priority of the next budget cycle and the city administration should be working now in researching aquatic facility options to have all of the information on hand to make a decision next year. Unfortunately, that may mean a summer without the current Lincoln Pool.