Candidates in Ellensburg's city council primary forum highlighted maintenance and replacement needs in the city's parks and recreation system, repeatedly calling attention to Memorial Pool and play equipment.

The most immediate complaint came from former Fire Chief John Sinclair, who said the city’s pool roof has leaked for years: “We have a community investment in Memorial Pool. We've had a leak in the roof for over 8 years and it hasn't been repaired,” Sinclair said, adding that the condition is visible from a block away. Several candidates said the pool and other aging facilities require a careful decision about repair versus replacement.

Why it matters: Parks and recreation facilities are daily services used by families, seniors and university students; maintenance and capital decisions are both costly and political. Several candidates tied parks maintenance to broader questions of city budgeting and prioritization.

Incumbent council member Joan Loquist said the city already has invested in the pool in recent years and urged careful cost‑benefit thinking: “We put new HVAC, Jacuzzis, and a new roof on. The average life expectancy of a municipal pool is about 30 years. Ours has lasted 46,” she said, arguing the city must weigh ongoing repair costs against replacement expense.

Candidates urged community input and use of local partnerships. Geraldine O'Mahony said parks are “multifunctional” and should be welcoming to all residents; she supported splash pads and play structures while noting other groups also use park space. Loquist said a new West Ellensburg playground is budgeted this year and that the parks commission is weighing reallocations, including whether to install a splash pad.

Graffiti abatement and inclusive play were recurring themes. O'Mahony noted graffiti cleanup consumes significant parks resources and called for proactive measures; Goodlow and others emphasized planning that serves children and people with disabilities, including accessible equipment.

Next steps: Candidates pointed to an upcoming parks and open‑space planning process and the parks commission as the venues for public input and prioritized investments. Several candidates said the council must balance capital needs across pools, playgrounds and fields within the city’s constrained budget.