Joyous anticipation fills the air in Lewiston as the city prepares to revive the beloved Bert Lipps Pool. The Lewiston City Council has unanimously approved a funding agreement of $294,469 with W.M. & Associates, operating as WMS Aquatics, for the installation of a new liner. This project is a critical step toward reopening the pool, with a targeted completion date of June 29, 2024.
Justin Glenn, the director of Lewiston Parks & Recreation, expressed cautious optimism about the timeline. “These liner installations are so dependent on weather conditions,” he noted. “We’re going to have to play that game a little bit. The goal is to get water in that pool and have a party sometime this summer.” The new liner is expected to last between 20 to 25 years and comes with a one-year warranty, along with an extended warranty for the liner itself.
In addition to the main pool, a new liner will also be installed at the adjacent wading pool. Glenn’s efforts to bring the pool back to life received commendations from city councilors. “I want to thank you for pushing this through,” said Councilor John Spickelmire. His colleague, Councilor Kassee Forsmann, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the community’s attachment to the pool. “I just want to commend you and your staff for going above and looking, not taking what information you were given, but going deeper,” Forsmann added.
Addressing Safety and Modernization Needs
In the coming weeks, Glenn plans to present a comprehensive list of additional projects aimed at enhancing safety and modernizing Bert Lipps Pool. These improvements are necessary final steps before the pool can officially reopen.
When Glenn assumed his role in June 2023, the future of Bert Lipps Pool seemed grim. Despite its popularity as a summer recreational destination, city staff had deemed the facility beyond repair, with replacement costs estimated between $2 million and $3 million. The pool, built in 1947, was forced to close in 2023 after just one day of operation due to severe leaks, estimated at 70,000 to 90,000 gallons of water lost each day.
Determined to find a solution, Glenn collaborated with city employees and engaged a third-party pool consultant to reassess the situation. Their thorough review included evaporation and leakage monitoring tests, alongside detailed visual inspections of the pool and its plumbing systems.
The findings were more favorable than expected: while the pool’s structure was sound, surface leaks could be effectively managed with a new liner. Furthermore, city employees discovered that water from burst irrigation pipes at Fenton Gym had contributed to the pool’s leaking issues. Those pipes have since been repaired, allowing for a more sustainable future for Bert Lipps Pool.
As preparations continue, the community eagerly awaits the reopening of this cherished recreational space, which promises to deliver enjoyment and fun for swimmers once again this summer.
