These figures are particularly daunting as the Parks and Recreation department is already experiencing financial strain. For the recent season, the pool's maintenance account spent $32,000 against a $26,000 budget, even before accounting for these new, large-scale capital needs.

The Root of the Problem: Systemic Failures

The current crisis stems from a cascade of interconnected equipment failures. The pool's boiler, installed as recently as 2020, is now inoperable due to severe corrosion of its heat exchanger. Investigations have revealed that the corrosion was directly caused by the facility’s current open-tank filtration system, which creates an "atomization of water" and chlorine vapor in the mechanical room, damaging nearby equipment.

This same filtration system is also the source of another critical issue: broken filters are leaking diatomaceous earth (DE) directly into the pool. This not only forces staff to conduct daily vacuuming but also poses a health risk. Although safe for swimmers, DE is considered carcinogenic if inhaled in dry form over prolonged periods. This risk requires staff to handle the material wearing respirators or other personal protective equipment.

The two most critical maintenance problems are therefore linked, with the failing filter system actively destroying the boiler. The board must now weigh the merits of applying temporary patches against investing in a long-range, and far more expensive, systemic solution.

A Pivotal Meeting Ahead

The future of the Harvard Aquatic Center will be discussed at the next Park Board meeting, scheduled for October 20th. The board is expected to review system failures, analyze cost options, and make a formal recommendation to the City Council, which holds the ultimate fiscal authority over the city budget. The decisions made will carry significant financial implications for Harvard residents and will determine the pool's operational future. 

My Opinion

It appears the Mayor and staff want to do whatever it takes to keep the pool open. They will likely recommend a limited repair solution within a price range that falls between the minimum and maximum amounts mentioned above. Funding would come from the Park's Capital Improvement Funds and a transfer from the General Fund. This approach will work, but for how long? What happens afterward? If we face another pool failure next year, what steps will we take then? What is the long-range plan for the pool? All pools have a useful life of about 30 years, they say, although some can last longer. How do we move from patchwork fixes to replacing the pool? Are residents willing to support a long-range replacement plan? If not, does the pool hold the importance some claim? 

The city's budget is tight. If money is reallocated, it has to come from somewhere. So, what happens to the projects that were going to use those park funds? What needs to be cut or postponed in the general fund? If there is another pool failure next year or the year after, what steps will we take to address it? 

We require a comprehensive long-range plan that encompasses major repairs, a realistic maintenance budget, and a strategic approach to pool replacement. If Harvard residents want a pool, they must fund it properly through grants with matching funds requirements, fundraising efforts (sponsors), and a bond referendum. 

The same applies if they would rather have something other than a pool. Closing the pool could free up about half of the Park and Recreation budget for different projects, but even then, it probably wouldn't cover the cost of a major project. If the city's residents want a bandshell, a recreation center, or any other project, the city needs to develop a long-range plan that includes a financing strategy.

The mayor and staff's plan is probably the only way the pool can open next year, but I hope that the Parks and Recreation Board members and the city council will tackle the complex questions and not just kick the can down the road by approving a stop-gap fix with no plan beyond.