All four of West Hartford’s outdoor pools opened for the season on Saturday, June 17, 2023.

By Ronni Newton

School’s out for summer, and all four of West Hartford’s outdoor pools are open for public swimming this summer – including the pool at Eisenhower Park which was closed for the past two years following the discovery of a significant leak and other structural issues.

Town Manager Rick Ledwith reported to the Town Council’s Human and Community Services Committee last week that the temporary repairs – which included caulking and masonry work – on the Eisenhower Pool have been completed. The repairs are temporary, but were successful and are expected to allow the pool to be used for the next two summers while another RFP for replacement of the pool and bath house is issued.

The town had initially planned to replace the pool at Eisenhower Park prior to this season, but an initial response to an RFP issued in 2022 resulted in bids that were $2 million more – nearly double – what had been projected and budgeted. The replacement was put on hold, and Ledwith said last fall that they redoubled efforts to find a near-term solution. He said that he and Director of Leisure and Social Services Helen Rubino-Turco and others from the town met with several contractors, and came up with the plan for the temporary repairs – which involved removing a part of the bottom of the pool and re-sealing it – which they are confident will allow the pool’s life to be extended for two more summers.

The lifeguards at Eisenhower Pool on Sunday, June 18 said they didn’t have many customers – even though the weather was nice – perhaps because many residents may not realize that the pool is back open this year.

Lifeguards at Eisenhower Pool. They are hoping more swimmers learn that the pool is open! Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Pool inspections were completed, and all four outdoor pools – which are managed by Health Fitness and staffed by town-hired lifeguards and supervisors – opened Saturday. All outdoor pools are expected to remain open through Aug. 20.

According to Ledwith, interior renovation to the Kennedy Park Pool house is also complete, and that building is open for public use as well.

Pool locations are:

• Beachland Pool, 847 Quaker Lane
• Fernridge Pool, 567 Fern Street
• Kennedy Pool, 160 Oakwood Avenue
• Eisenhower Pool, 13 Sheep Hill Drive

Open swim and adult swim hours vary by location, and details can be found here.

Daily admission for West Hartford residents is $5.00 for children and seniors, and $6.00 for adults. Non-resident rates are $7.50 per day for children and seniors and $9.00 for adults. Information about purchasing outdoor pool punch cards can be found here.

For information about registering for swim lessons, which are being run by Cornerstone Aquatics Center staff, click here.

Splash pads are also open at Beachland Park, Fernridge Park, and Kennedy Park, as well as at Wolcott Park, and do not require an entrance fee for use. Information about hours can be found here.

Splash pad at Fernridge Park. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

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