Fox Point pool closed, 'plumbing problems'
FOX POINT, Wis. - The Fox Point Municipal Pool will not open for summer 2023 due to "irreparable mechanical problems with the plumbing." It could be closed for good.
"We used to bike there just about every single day over the summer growing up," said Jeff Delwiche.
Delwiche said the Fox Point Pool is where memories are made.
"All day, every day during the summer, I would be there at the pool, just doing what kids do at the pool," he said.
Unfortunately, kids won't have that option during summer 2023, and the pool could remain closed for good.
Village leaders said Department of Public Works staff worked since before January to rectify the issues and restore the pool to an operational state, but unfortunately, it was determined that was not possible.
Officials said the aging infrastructure of the pool has posed a significant challenge, as staff and contracted services have been unable to locate crucial replacement parts. These essential components are no longer being manufactured, leaving the pool beyond repair.
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"It was a good place for a lot of my friends and me to meet up after school," said Grant Freeze.
"Very disappointed for the kids who would have been doing what I used to do," said Delwiche. "Now, they’ve been stripped of it, unfortunately."
The closure affects not only regular visitors but also individuals who had purchased memberships and enrolled in swim lessons. Refunds are being offered. Additionally, those who had reserved the pool for events will be contacted and reimbursed accordingly. Many neighbors said they hope for more.
"My daughter, when we moved here 30 years ago, she was at the pool almost every day up until she was about 15 or so," said Kate Kaiser. "I think we need a pool, and the pool that exists, well, it’s not even open, but even before that, we knew it was a really big problem."
Kaiser said she simply wants a place where families can cool off.
"I mean, there’s tennis courts and soccer fields and baseball over there, but swimming is what Fox Point is about."