For many decades, the Wallingford Community Pool has provided a convenient space for local residents to swim, sunbathe, or cool off during the summer. However, in recent years, pool attendance has declined, and maintenance issues have multiplied. To remedy these problems and rejuvenate public use, the Wallingford Parks and Recreation Department has proposed a new plan to demolish the existing pool and build a new aquatic facility.
According to Mr. Mike Savenelli, chairman of the Wallingford Parks and Recreation Department’s pool committee, the plan is “to build a new pool and to make it a destination area with additional amenities.” Under the new plan, the 7.1-acre community pool will be replaced by two new pools, a renovated bath house, and a park containing a large splash pad, playground equipment, a sand volleyball court, and a seasonal performing arts stage. The two pools contained in the new facility will include a 12,900 square-foot main pool and a 3,850 square-foot lap pool with six lanes. The new pools will be able to hold 860 swimmers and will only use 334,000 gallons — the existing pool requires one million gallons.
These improvements will not be cheap, however. Demolishing the existing pool and excavating the area alone will cost about $2.1 million. The price of the actual pool, the pool equipment, and the poolside amenity additions will bring the total projected cost to between $4.5 and $6 million. In addition, the pool must close while undergoing construction.
“Based on the timeline, it’s quite possible that the pool will be closed for one season,” said Mr. Savenelli. “That being said, we are working with the neighboring town in hopes of being able to have our residents utilize their pool.”
The Parks and Recreation commission spent two years discussing the future of the pool before arriving at the conclusion that a new facility was necessary. The pool has not been renovated in 20 years. Maintenance issues largely stemmed from the cracking pool bottom and the paint chipping from its surface. Pool attendance has plunged to less than 50 percent of what it was a decade ago. Fewer than 2,500 pool passes were sold this year, compared to more than 5,000 in 2010
The plan still faces many obstacles before construction can begin, despite a favorable reaction from the Town Council during the proposal meeting. The town will need to hire an architect to sketch preliminary designs and blueprints. The project will then need to submit a Request for Proposal and complete a bidding process that will likely take between 60 and 90 days. The proposal must be approved by both the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission. Additionally, the plan requires public support and funding to continue.
Because of a lack of funds, the town will most likely need to authorize borrowing to finance the project. The project’s effect on taxes is not clear yet, but Mayor William W. Dickinson said, “Ultimately, no matter what money you use, if it’s purchasing or receiving or borrowing, the money you use is no longer available for other purposes, so that impacts future expenses.” The actual construction and renovation will take an additional six to nine months, or possibly longer.
Despite these challenges, many are still optimistic about the new aquatic facility. Mr. Savenelli said, “We believe all this enhances our community, especially when people are considering Wallingford for the choice of the residence, and gives our current residence and new destination to enjoy with their families.”
The Community Pool, last renovated 20 years ago, is set to be renovated according to a plan proposed at the Town Hall.
