Though the Quakertown Community Pool will be closed next summer due to unrepairable mechanical issues, borough residents should expect a new and improved facility the following year. The borough's Parks and Recreation Department is finalizing the details of a new $3 million pool facility.

            The current facility at 601 W. Mill St. will be demolished and replaced with a newly designed pool and modern features. The new pool is scheduled to open on Memorial Day of 2022.

            According to municipal Manager Scott McElree, refinanced bonds will pay for the work. He said council also budgeted some money for the project.

            "Communities that are healthy reinvest in themselves," McElree said. "This has been in the works for a long time."

            Earlier this month, municipal officials closed the pool for the 2021 season after determining it is no longer fit for operation. This past summer, maintenance staff discovered a large rip in the pool liner which was causing the pool to lose two inches of water a day.

            "Unfortunately, this rip along with other mechanical issues are unrepairable," a message posted on the borough's webpage states. 

            While repairs to the current pool, which was built in 1957 and updated in 2004, would likely cost less than $3 million, McElree said it made more financial sense to start over. He added that it allowed municipal officials to add multiple modern features. They may include a program pool for swim lessons, a diving well, rock wall, lazy river, slide, and splash pad as well as updated locker rooms, guard rooms, a concession stand, and an expanded second floor for Parks and Recreation Programing and space for the K.I.D.S. Camp Program, according to information posted on the borough's website.

            According to the manager, the pool upgrade is part of a series of planned improvements in the borough. They include upgrading the borough's sewer plant, rebuilding Juniper Street and installing a new playground at the park.

            McElree said the refinancing of some old bonds in November generated $23 million.