Due to the discovery of significant structural issues, Holding Park Pool, 133 W. Owen Ave., will not open in 2016. Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) officials made the announcement during last evening’s monthly Board of Commissioners meeting.
The pool opening, which typically takes place over the Memorial Day weekend, had been delayed because of a serious leak. While working to repair the leak, contractors discovered major problems related to the integrity of the pool walls.
According to the contractor, the walls were “found to be in poor shape” marked by uneven plaster and mortar behind the plaster that is crumbling and falling apart. Those findings eliminated any chance of opening the pool this summer.
The total cost to repair the pool is not yet known, but commissioners plan to discuss potential options during their mid-year retreat in August.
In the meantime, all pool-related activities scheduled for this year have been canceled, including swim lessons. However, PRCR officials are in discussions with local organizations concerning possible swim alternatives for the general public.
Built in the early 1940s, Holding Park Pool is one of the area’s largest outdoor public swimming pools. The 50-meter pool is typically open during the summer months and offers swimming to the general public, as well as swim lessons and parent/toddler swim times.
For more information about Holding Park Pool, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Holding Park Pool” or contact Athletics Superintendent Edward Austin at 919-435-9562 or eaustin@wakeforestnc.gov.