Why there’s a construction fence at Colman Pool in Lincoln Park

That construction fence around Colman Pool at Lincoln Park brought some questions our way over the weekend, so we walked into the park to check it out today, while also sending an inquiry to Seattle Parks. It’s for the second phase of a renovation project that began last year, and the work means that West Seattle’s only city-owned outdoor pool won’t open this year until late June (that was announced before last season ended – we mentioned it here in September). The work that’s getting under way now will “replace portions of the pool deck, pool shell, and provide a new plaster lining to extend the life of the pool,” as explained on the project page. Parks spokesperson Dewey Potter adds that, “The demolition work on the deck and other elements will begin this week, so people will start to see trucks going in and out.” If the work goes as scheduled, Colman Pool will open on June 30th.

marty January 30, 2012 (12:22 pm)

This makes me wonder why construction didn’t start earlier so the pool could be open for the whole (already too short!) summer.

Jeff Parker January 30, 2012 (12:32 pm)

Does anyone know if its still going to be a Salt Water Pool?

I always had fun swimming there.

kate January 30, 2012 (12:34 pm)

While they’re at it, how about building a poolside hot dog/hamburger/beer stand snack shack?

jc January 30, 2012 (6:09 pm)

Kate, we already have our share of litter and other fallout from junk food and alcohol consumption on Alki. Let’s allow Lincoln Park to be a relatively peaceful place for those of us who go there to enjoy the natural beauty, ok?

leah January 30, 2012 (6:15 pm)

Hey, at least they are going to keep it open and not close it due to rising costs!!! Hooray for that!!! Seattle born and raised we need things like this to be passed on and on and on . . .

zephyr January 30, 2012 (6:20 pm)

@jc for the win. Spot on. Colman Pool is truly a treasure and many of us are happy to walk/bike down to take classes or swim in such a beautiful, noncommercial setting. ~z

kate January 30, 2012 (7:31 pm)

Hi jc- You’re right; I officially retract my comment. I regularly attend the water aerobics class at Colman Pool and a beer and burger shack would completely thwart my efforts. Plus, I agree with Zephyr in regards to the specialness of the pool. It’s always unflattering when my inner Caddyshack comes out in public.

Wolf January 30, 2012 (8:33 pm)

I too am dumbfounded why they didn’t start construction the day the pool closed last season. Who at Parks makes these decisions? I am grateful for the repairs and upgrades, yet acknowledge the dis-service to our community. I swim at the SW pool regularly, so having a 2nd public pool for the 100,000+ of us who live out here, for even a few months is really valuable to me.

datamuse January 30, 2012 (10:44 pm)

Maybe the contractor, you know, had another job prior to this one?

M. February 1, 2012 (6:58 pm)

Perhaps the winter weather may also be a contributing factor in timing the repairs.

WSB February 1, 2012 (7:04 pm)

For anybody still wondering, actually, I did get an answer from project manager Garrett Farrell, which I had intended to publish as a separate followup and never got a chance to. That’s the bottom line – some of the work needs to cure in warmer weather, and so those spring weeks are needed – TR

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