Coaldale Town Council approves funding for liner replacement and select upgrades at Coaldale Pool

During its Sept. 26 Regular Council Meeting, Coaldale Town Council voted to approve funding for a liner replacement and select upgrades including a waterslide, deck furniture, and a new access ramp for patrons with mobility issues at the Coaldale Pool.

Built in 1972, the Coaldale Pool remains a popular Town amenity that many residents look forward to swimming and cooling off in each year—especially during the hot summer months of July and August. In recent years, however, the pool’s liner (installed in 2003) has deteriorated to a point where, according to several independent contractors, it is now beyond repair. As a result, during its September 26, 2022, Regular Council Meeting, Coaldale Town Council voted to approve $495,000 in funding for a liner replacement and several other upgrades so that the pool can remain operational while plans are finalized and funding is secured for the construction of a new aquatic facility.

“In 2003, the pool underwent a basin reconfiguration and had a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane installed,” said Russ Tanner, Director of Recreation & Community Services for the Town of Coaldale. “That membrane had an estimated 20-year lifespan and is now in need of replacement. The PVC has deteriorated so much that the interior fabric is showing and leaks are causing bubbles under the liner. The reality of the situation is that the liner will not make it through another season which is why we brought the issue before Council now rather than later.”

In addition to approving funding for a pool liner replacement, Council also approved funding for a waterslide, deck furniture, and a new access ramp for patrons with mobility issues. “Don’t get me wrong – I fully recognize that many residents want a new pool,” said Coaldale Mayor Jack Van Rijn. “But the fact is that finalizing plans and securing funding for a new aquatic facility could take up to 10 years. This is why Council, in addition to approving funding for a liner replacement, also approved funding for a waterslide, deck furniture, and ramp. While the planning process for a new pool plays out and as funding is secured, our residents will still have access to a local facility for swimming lessons and other family programming. Finally, I think it’s worth mentioning that because the waterslide can be relocated to the new pool once it’s built, approving this funding can be seen as Council having made an investment not just in improving the status-quo, but in paving the way for the future, as well.”

For its part, the Waves & Blades Sportsplex Innovation Working Group - a community group whose goals include building a new pool and to which the Mayor himself belongs - couldn’t agree more.

“The general feeling from the Waves & Blades Working Group is an overwhelmingly positive one,” said Carley Campbell, speaking on behalf of the group. “The upgrade to the existing pool liner and area is not only necessary for the operation of the pool, but will provide a much-needed facelift to the current facility for the short term. This upgrade will also give the working group time to discuss and collaborate with the residents of Coaldale to create a facility that will benefit the Town of Coaldale in the future.”

Now that funding has been approved for the liner and upgrades, Town staff will work quickly to hire a contractor so that the liner can be replaced in time for next summer. During budget deliberations this fall, Council will also consider adding a few more upgrades to the pool including a climbing wall and beach volleyball court for a combined cost of $105,000.