Deer Park’S Pool Closure Only A Rumor

Deer Park Mayor Michael Wolfe said a rumor about the city’s municipal pool soon closing is simply not true.

“People have been calling wanting to know what they could do to keep the pool from shutting down,” Wolfe said. “But we have no intention of closing the pool. We’ll do our best to make sure the pool doesn’t close.”

A recent article in a local paper may have been the cause of confusion.

Last summer, the city’s insurance agent took a routine tour of the facilities. At that time, she mentioned that a list of Americans with Disabilities Act requirements - such as mechanical lifts and stairs at the end of the pool - would be forthcoming.

“I told her to get us the regulations as soon as they received them,” he said.

But since then, Wolfe said he hasn’t heard anything from the agent with regard to the requirements.

Though the pool is a slight financial drain on the city, Wolfe recognizes its importance.

“Pools do not operate in the black. You can’t charge enough to pay for everything that has to be done at the pool … It’s that way with any pool,” he said. “But (the pool) is the only major recreation for kids in town.”

In fact, the Deer Park municipal pool is the city’s only public pool. The next nearest pool is at Whitworth in Spokane.

Proving its commitment to the pool, the City of Deer Park plans to spend just under $10,000 to make the minor repairs necessary to keep it open. The money will go toward such improvements as a new motor and sand filter.