Forest Grove Aquatic Center closed until June 2 for tile replacement, gutter repair

The Forest Grove Aquatic Center closed Monday for a planned three-month closure for repairs the city of Forest Grove said.

"We understand the closure will significantly impact the community, and we’ve worked hard to schedule it at a time that minimizes disruption," the city said in a webpage for the project. "Unfortunately, there is never an ideal time for such an extended closure," the city added.

The aquatic center will be closed until June 2.

The aquatic center is a hub for more than just city residents; it's used by Pacific University athletes, Forest Grove High School student athletes, and even other cities like Banks, who allow their residents to apply for a reimbursement for part of the cost of using Forest Grove's facility.

Originally built in the 1960s according to city documents, there are several issues with the current facility, which includes two pools, a hot tub, a splash park, water slides, a sauna, a birthday rental room, and more.

In bid documents the city issued to attract contractors to take the project, the city said that 50 year-old-pool tile needed to be replaced due to cracks and erosion.

In fact, the current tile is so old, the city believes the existing tile must be entirely redesigned in the main pool.

"We understand that the rounded tile involved are likely not available anymore and that this detail would need to be different, therefor this is a design build project," the city said.

Added to that, the city said the closure would see contractors repair the pool gutters.

One added positive is that the city's typically scheduled late summer maintenance, which sees the pool close for routine maintenance, will be rolled into the extended closure this spring.

"We plan to address any remaining maintenance issues during the spring closure. While we hope there won’t be unexpected delays, we appreciate your understanding should anything arise," the city said.

While the pool is closed, those looking to swim may be eyeing the next largest standing body of water in Forest Grove, Fernhill Wetlands.

Don't.

The Fernhill Wetlands are the final step in treating human sewage before water is returned to the Tualatin River, and the site's rules do not allow swimming or boating.