The R.C. Icabone Pool Is CLOSED

It is with heavy hearts the Canon City Area Recreation and Park District announces the closure of the R.C. Icabone Swimming Pool.  On the recommendation of Executive Director, Kyle Horne, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to close the pool due to multiple mechanical and structural issues.

The Icabone Pool has served the Canon City community since 1966.  When constructed it had an estimated lifespan of 25 to 30 years.  Thanks to the hard work and dedication of District boards, staffs and maintenance crews over the past 56-years the pool was able to double its expected lifespan.  This is a credit to numerous people and we thank them all for their incredible service.

   There are numerous issues with the pool and multiple aquatics engineers have evaluated the facility.  In May, the engineer from Counsilman-Hunsaker spent some time at the pool and looked at everything.  Some of the findings are listed below.

• The fiberglass liner must be replaced.
• The high-speed sand filters must be replaced.
• The pump must be replaced.
• All pipes, valves, and fittings must be replaced.
• Due to having smaller pipes we cannot meet current code for water filtration.

• There are structural issues with the concrete between the outer pad and the pool body.
• The diving board pedestals must be replaced.
• The wading pool is not in compliance and District staff closed it on May 9, 2023.
• There are no repair or remodel options.  The entire facility must be replaced.

The issues listed above are just some of the issues at the Icabone Pool and all of them are due to the age of the facility.

The Recreation District was created in 1965 to own and operate a swimming pool.  This fact is not lost on the District staff and board.  We are encouraging the community to meet with us and come up with options for the replacement of the R.C. Icabone Swimming Pool and what to do next.  We truly want your feedback.  Please know that replacement of the Icabone Pool, an outdoor seasonal facility, will cost a minimum of $12-$15 million.  Aquatics facilities, indoor or outdoor, are very expensive and currently are built to have a lifespan of 40 to 50 years.

The closure of the pool was the only decision to make for safety reasons, but it was one of the hardest emotionally because we want  and need a pool in our community.  Now the question is, will the community work with us to create and build something amazing that youth and adults can enjoy for the next 50 years?