The Arnold Recreation Center’s indoor pool is scheduled to re-open on Monday, Oct. 2, Parks and Recreation Department deputy director Ajsa Hukic said.
The indoor pool at the rec center, 1695 Missouri State Road, has been closed since July 10 to allow workers to remove rust and repaint beams and ductwork over the pool.
“It looks like a whole new pool,” Hukic said. “It has a nice, refreshed look. We can’t wait for the pool to re-open and see people enjoying the renovated area.”
Hukic said the indoor pool is expected to be ready for use at 5:30 a.m. Monday. She also said those wanting to use the pool should check the parks and rec department’s Facebook page or call 636-282-6647 to confirm the indoor pool is open.
Hukic said if the indoor pool cannot be re-opened, the outdoor pool will be open, depending on the weather.
City Council members voted 6-0 June 15 to pay $262,580 to The Paintsmiths of St. Louis to remove rust and paint beams, ductwork and piping in the indoor pool area. Ward 1 Councilman Jason Fulbright and Ward 4 Councilman Butch Cooley were not at the meeting.
In order to perform the indoor pool work, scaffolding was erected throughout the pool area, forcing the closure.
Paintsmiths also replaced the flooring in the men’s and women’s locker rooms with a quartz floor in the locker, bathroom and shower areas.
A new staircase for the pool’s slide also was installed during the closure, but Hukic said some new parts for the staircase have not been delivered as of Thursday, Sept. 28. She said the slide will be closed until the new parts are delivered and installed.
She said the parks and rec department have not been told when the parts will be delivered, and she said staff does not believe the pool will need to be closed when additional parts are installed on the stairs.
SplashTacular Waterslides and Waterparks Attractions of Paola, Kan., was given the bid to replace the staircase and steps for the indoor pool water slide. In March, council members voted 7-1 to pay $293,205 to replace the staircase and steps.
The city has another project planned to improve the indoor pool following the closure. In November, two new Pool Paks, which are large dehumidifiers above the indoor pool area, are expected to be installed.
In April, the council voted unanimously to pay $743,454 to Peters-Eichler Mechanical of St. Louis to replace the Pool Paks. Parks and Recreation Director David Crutchley said city officials believe the indoor pool will not be closed for a significant amount of time when the Pool Paks are installed.
“The indoor pool may need to be closed for a portion of a day or an entire day when the Pool Paks are lifted onto the roof,” he said. “We may close it down while they are being lifted over the building. We usually do that whenever they are lifting something over the building.”