| The construction work on Helper’s swimming pool project is nearing completion. City officials have tentatively slated the ribbon cutting ceremony and the grand opening activities at the swimming pool on June 16. |
The construction of the swimming pool project in Helper is almost finished.
The contractors expect to have the city’s project completed in a couple more weeks.
The city’s pool project includes an entire building with business offices, restrooms with showers and changing facilities.
The swimming pool has a shallow end with play equipment for the younger and less experienced water sport enthusiasts.
In addition, the pools has a 12 foot deep end with a twisty slide for the more advanced swimmers.
According to program manager Dean Armstrong, several unexpected delays have set the project back a few weeks from the original completion date.
Part of the delay was related to the late delivery of the play/splash toy equipment.
There was also some delays experienced by the workers in the excavation and installation of the pool.
The tiling is in place and the plaster top-coat will be applied within the week.
Helper city should begin filling the pool on Thursday.
The plaster has to cure underwater, pointed out Armstrong.
The final sections of the concrete deck and the fencing around the pool should be completed on May 31.
The water handling and filtration and chemical treatment systems will then be completed on June 1.
The city plans to start moving in the furniture and equipment for the pool deck, office, lifeguard office, concession stand and the facility during the week of June 4, stated Armstrong.
The most significant work remaining will be the completion of site landscaping including the roadway, sidewalks, shrubbery and parking area, continued Armstrong.
The remaining work on the project will probably be completed under a separate contract during the summer.
At the next Helper city council meeting, officials will will discuss the proposed plan for operations at the swimming pool.
Helper officials plan to also visit the site and give a final inspection of the city’s recreational facility.
“I think our community can be very proud of this accomplishment,” stated Armstrong.
“We have had a lot of challenges on this job including geotechnical problems with the stability of the soil beneath the pool building. Extremely thick frost, and increasing costs associated with the rising steel, cooper, and concrete costs,” continued Armstrong.
The local pool will be offering swimming lessons and lap swimming.
And because of the newly installed lighting system, the pool will also be offering night swimming.
The schedule for regular operating hours will be:
•Monday to Saturday from noon unitl 5 p.m.
•Sunday, noon until 6 p.m.
•night swimming Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6 to 10 p.m.
Price for admission will be $3 for children ages 4 to 15 years of age and $4 for adults. Summer family passes will also be available for $100.
The pool should be opening in mid-June, according to Armstrong.
Helper officials plan to have a grand opening special offering free admission to the public all day long.
The ribbon cutting ceremony at the Helper pool and the grand opening are tentatively scheduled for June 16.
The swimming pool will remain open through Sept.5.