GREENFIELD — Keep your swimsuits, sunscreen and beach towels inside this weekend as the rainy weather continues to delay the opening of the much-anticipated Riley Park Pool renovation.
Greenfield Parks and Recreation Department staff had hoped to open the pool on Sunday for Memorial Day weekend. But that plan fell through on Friday morning because of weather concerns that mounted throughout the week and extended into the weekend, said parks superintendent Ellen Kuker.
Since crews broke ground on the $3.3 million pool renovation in January, Kuker said, they’ve had their fair share of challenges, such as material delays, permitting issues and other unforeseen conditions. Most notably, she said, the city has had more than 85 days of precipitation since Jan. 1. Also in that time, the National Weather Service recorded 21 inches of precipitation at Indianapolis International Airport.
“It has been and will be our goal to serve the kids and families of our community, and having the pool open for summer recreation is important to us,” Kuker wrote in an email to the Daily Reporter. “As you can imagine, rain and pool construction are not a good combination. We are doing everything in our power to get the balance of the new features and amenities up and running just as quickly as possible.”
The pool face lift includes two 20-foot water slides, a zero-depth entry with water playground, a cabana area, a shade structure, completely renovated locker rooms and a redesigned concessions area.
Kuker said the parks department will update the public about the progress of the pool construction on its Facebook and Twitter feeds and on its website. Once the pool does open, Kuker said, visitors will see the ongoing installation of the two slides, cabanas and finishing touches, such as landscaping and signage.
The pool, located within Riley Park at 280 Apple St., hasn’t been updated for more than 35 years, Kuker said. Plans moved ahead for a major renovation in 2005-06, during the tenure of Mayor Rodney Fleming, but the mayor vetoed a water park project over concerns about the $3.5 million expected expense.
“While we continue to work hard every day to complete this project, we do ask for patience from the community as construction will be ongoing for several weeks after we open,” Kuker said. “Each day after opening day will bring more excitement and anticipation as guests will see progress continue until completion.”
Kuker said the parks department plans to schedule a ribbon-cutting event at the pool in mid-June, when the slides open. Until then, Kuker said kids who visit the pool can help name the two slides. The department will announce the two winners at the ribbon cutting, and those winners will be the first to go down the new slides. Entry forms may be picked up and returned at the pool’s lifeguard station.
The Riley Splash Pad located next to the pool is open each day from down until dusk, Kuker said.
