Aquatic Center in Coral Springs.
By Bryan Boggiano
City officials gave a tentative timeline of pool closures at the Coral Springs Aquatic Center, stating some pools could be closed for up to six months.
Parks and Recreation Director Rob Hunter said the tentative closing date for the pool is Saturday, July 22. Work on the pools will take place daily between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. The project will continue through roughly Jan. 15, and he said the aim is to have the pools reopen between mid-January and February.
He said that will allow Olympic athletes to use the facility for part of their training.
The development came as the city commission approved a $3.1 million contract with Recreational Design and Construction, Inc. to make improvements to the Aquatic Center’s pool deck. Costs include design, construction, and renovation.
In September 2022, a consultant study confirmed the deck was shifting because of leaks in the dive well and water intrusion throughout the deck. The firm recommended mitigating the issue immediately to avoid further damage to the decks or competitive pools.
During the deck’s renovation, the Aquatic Center’s fitness facility will remain open, but it will be closed for one unspecified week to repair a crack contractors found during an inspection.
“It’s a project that needs to be done,” Hunter said.
Throughout the duration of the project, swim lessons and classes will take place at Cypress Pool and Mullins Pool. There will be unspecified changes to the public swim schedules at both pools. The city will accommodate local high school swim teams at Mullins Pool.
Members of contracted swim groups, including synchronized swimming, dive clubs, and the Coral Springs Swim Club, are encouraged to contact their group leaders for further instructions.
Hunter also mentioned the city will conduct a public outreach initiative to educate residents and those affected by the closures.
Tentatively, the contractor plans to work from west to east, which could allow the Aquatic Center’s 25-meter pool to remain open for longer. However, Hunter said this all depends on the contractor’s findings and a review of the construction as the project progresses.
Despite the nearly six-month projected closure, Hunter said there is an incentive for contractors to have the project complete by Dec. 15.
Vice Mayor Shawn Cerra moved to approve the contract. Commissioner Joshua Simmons seconded. The city commission approved it unanimously.
“This is a big undertaking; this is a big job,” Hunter said. “It took us a long time to get to this point.”
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