Mandy
The Emporia Recreation Commission (ERC) is preparing to authorize a comprehensive leak and structural evaluation of its 43-year-old indoor pool, following the discovery of a major pipeline crack that forced a temporary shutdown.
Leak Discovery And Temporary Repair Work
A severe leak—caused by a one-inch fracture stretching across 90 feet of cast-iron piping—prompted ERC to hire Plumbing by Spellman to expose and repair a section beneath the pool deck. This aging pipe, original to the facility, is not considered ideal for modern indoor pool systems.
To allow the pool to operate again while leaving the damaged area accessible for future inspection, the commission approved installing a metal plate over the exposed deck section.
According to ERC Executive Director Amanda Gutierrez, the pool is expected to reopen Monday, though the new lining must first cure and the water must warm back up to its regular 88-degree temperature.
Comprehensive Structural and Leak Assessment Planned
ERC leaders agreed to seek a proposal from BG Consultants for an in-depth analysis to determine whether additional leaks or underlying structural issues threaten the pool’s long-term viability.
Gutierrez emphasized that the facility has been losing water for years, but now that internal areas are visible, the severity is clearer. The proposed assessment—estimated at $10,000–$12,000—will help answer key questions:
- Where is water loss occurring?
- How much water is leaking?
- Is the problem structural or cosmetic?
She noted the outcome will play a major role in shaping decisions about future repairs and planning for a potential new Recreation Center.
“This pool won’t last forever,” Gutierrez said. “It’s vital to understand the real condition of the facility so we can determine whether it can remain functional for several more years or whether its lifespan is nearing the end.”
DeBauge Family Sports Complex: Funding and Planning Update
Grant Funding And Financial Gap
The commission also reviewed progress on the DeBauge Family Sports Complex renovation project. The Emporia City Commission had sought a $1.5 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) but received only $750,000, creating a notable funding shortfall.
Exploring Additional Private Funding
Mayor Erren Harter suggested pursuing private contributions to enhance the project and possibly add a second turf field. He noted that while construction can begin with current funds, additional dollars could significantly improve the facility’s scope.
“If we could secure the missing $750,000—or even another million or two—the project could support multiple turf fields,” Harter explained.
Despite no private commitments yet, Harter remains confident that the project timeline remains intact, expressing hope that the complex will open by the Fall 2026 soccer season.
Conclusion
The Emporia Recreation Commission is taking proactive steps to address long-standing water-loss issues in its aging indoor pool, recognizing that the findings of the upcoming structural assessment will be crucial for future planning.
Meanwhile, development of the DeBauge Family Sports Complex continues to progress, with city leaders exploring additional funding opportunities to elevate the project’s quality and long-term impact on the community.
FAQs
1. Why was the ERC indoor pool closed?
The pool was closed due to a major leak caused by a long crack in a cast-iron pipe, requiring excavation under the pool deck.
2. When will the pool reopen?
ERC expects to reopen the indoor pool on Monday, once repairs are complete, the new lining sets, and the water reheats to 88°F.
3. How much will the structural assessment cost?
The comprehensive leak and structural study is estimated to cost $10,000–$12,000, based on early projections from ERC leadership.