During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the future of the Palmer Wading Pool, a facility that has served the community since its opening in 1937. The pool, which has become a nostalgic landmark for many residents, has faced significant challenges, including aging infrastructure and compliance issues with current safety standards.

The Palmer Wading Pool, which operates daily during the summer months and attracts approximately 12,000 visitors annually, underwent renovations in 1989 and 2009 to meet Virginia Graham Baker compliance standards. However, a 2021 technical evaluation revealed that the facility has reached the end of its useful life, with major leaks detected in the main pool vessel and supply piping. These issues are exacerbated by the pool's location within a 100-year floodplain, leading to structural damage from flooding events.

The evaluation also highlighted the need for compliance with Wisconsin pool codes, which would require significant upgrades, including the addition of restroom and shower facilities. In contrast, the Rockport Pool, another facility evaluated, was found to be in good condition, needing only minor repairs.

Key recommendations from the evaluation included replacing the Palmer Wading Pool with a new 5,000 square foot zero-depth entry pool or a hybrid pool with a splash pad. This new facility would also feature a pump house to accommodate showers, restrooms, and concessions, serving both pool and park users. The preferred design approach aims to maintain diverse aquatic experiences across the community, ensuring that facilities like Rockport Pool and the Riverside Splash Pad continue to meet the needs of residents.

As discussions continue, city officials are considering the implications of these findings and the potential for future funding to support the necessary renovations and upgrades to the Palmer Wading Pool.