Swimming Pool Repairs - Bethel Park

Indy Parks & Recreation
Proposal to repair six
aquatic facilities across Marion County

Over the past decade, many of Indy Parks’ aquatic facilities have fallen into disrepair. Nine facilities leak water constantly, losing large amounts of water. Indy Parks has compiled a comprehensive list of repairs and improvements for the leaking pools, for which an approximate total cost is more than $7.5 million.

“Indy Parks has placed these pool repairs on a high priority list and will work to not only fix the problems but make enhancements amenable to the communities they serve,” said Indy Parks Director Stuart Lowry. “This is a very serious problem. We are approaching these decisions about pools very conscientiously, taking into account user groups and nearby alternatives to pools for summer recreation.”

Indy Parks will schedule public meetings to discuss the problems and options for solutions. The plans are subject to change as additional analysis is completed.

Bethel Park Pool: Indy Parks plans to repair outdoor Bethel Park Pool, which leaks more than 100,000 gallons of water per day and a total of 7,897,575 gallons per season. Total replacement may require closure summer 2009-2011. User groups and families will be directed to Garfield and Maple Park pools.

Wes Montgomery Pool: Indy Parks plans to make repairs to outdoor Wes Montgomery Pool, which will require closure summer 2009 and possible 2010. User groups and families will be directed to Douglass, Ellenberger and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. pools.

Gustafson Pool: Indy Parks plans to fix inlet hoses of outdoor Gustafson Pool during spring 2009, but there may be a possible delay of opening due to construction.

Willard Pool: Indy Parks plans to make repairs to the outdoor Willard Aquatic Center in fall 2009.

“We are not just exploring how to fix the leaks,” Director Lowry said. “We will make these pools sustainable in a way that satisfies the needs of the public, such as enhanced concessions, new slides, shade areas, new deck chairs, and climbing walls.”

In addition to closure of the above outdoor pools, Indy Parks will close two indoor pools during summer of 2009 to make repairs.

* La Shonna Bates Indoor Aquatic Center (ceiling in poor condition)
* Thatcher Park Indoor Pool (replacement of heating/air conditioning)

Paula Freund
Public Information Officer
Indy Parks and Recreation
200 E. Washington St.
Suite 2301, City-County Building
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 327-7035
Mobile: (317) 442-7578
Fax: (317) 327-7097
www.indyparks.org