Construction of the
natural swimming pool at Webber Park was progressing this past fall and the
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board says that several key construction
milestones have been reached.
A groundbreaking for
the project was in August of 2013, but unusually cold winter weather, followed
by unprecedented spring frost levels that extended several feet deeper than
average, slowed construction last winter and spring. Park officials are pleased
with the work that has been accomplished since then, and are excited for the
project to be completed and opened to the public next year.
“I’m extremely proud
that we are building the first public natural filtration swimming pool in North
America, and that next year we will open this fantastic swimming facility to
the community and region,” said Park Commissioner Jon Olson. “Being first is
exciting, but it can also be challenging. We’ve had unexpected delays for a
variety of reasons, but I think it will be worth the wait.”
Featuring a patented
biological filtration system, the Webber pool is designed to use plants in a
nearby regeneration pond instead of chemicals to treat the water. At just over
21,000 sq. ft., the pool is larger than most natural swimming pools in Europe.
The new pool design includes a 4,500 sq. ft. wading area with a maximum depth
of 39 in., and a 16,800 sq. ft. swimming area and lap pool that features five
swimming lap lanes and a diving area with a maximum depth of 12 ft. The new
pool will offer triple the recreation space of the park’s old pools.
As of this fall,
construction of the pool house was nearly complete. The pool house will serve
as an entry into the facility, with restrooms and outdoor pool-side showers in
the summer. Beginning in winter 2015-16, the building will serve as a warming
space for ice-skating on the pond that will be created in the pool area.
Also completed in
September was the regeneration basin that features more than 7,000 native
plants to clean the water. The liner in the swimming pool has been installed
and finishing stone work along the pool’s edge was underway. Next year,
fencing, landscaping and trails need to be completed.
“When we open next
year, we will be able to serve 500 people in the pool at one time,” said Olson.
“We will have certified lifeguards on duty and there will be free daily open
swimming.”
There will be swim
lessons and other fee-based programs offered in the morning, prior to open
swimming. Scholarships will be available.
“There has been
tremendous community support for this project,” said Olson. “The local Lions
Club has committed $5,000 for swim lesson scholarships and has a goal of
raising a total of $15,000 so more kids can get the swim lessons they need.”
To learn more about the
project, or to subscribe and receive email updates, visit minneapolisparks.org/
currentprojects and select Webber Park.