Franklin Pool to open "very soon"

ELIZABETHTON — Elizabethton may not have much longer to wait for the much anticipated grand re-opening of the Franklin Pool. City Manager Daniel Estes told the Johnson City Press that the pool should be open "very soon", dependent on what the weather is like as city workers pour the final portions of concrete to finish the reconstruction around the side of the pool. The concrete is scheduled to be poured Thursday, if the weather permits. The pool was closed all last year, as the pool, which is almost 100 years old, was refurbished and improved. It was built for the employees of Rayon Mills in Elizabethton and eventually acquired as part of the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department. After being taken offline last year for upgrades and a heater to warm the traditionally cold water in the pool, the city planned to open the pool in mid May for a free swim. Just before the opening, it was discovered the pool had a leak. It took some time and pressure testing to find the problem. Parks and Recreation Director David Nanney said a section of the pools new pipe system was inadvertently connected to the old, ready pipe, causing the problem. That has now been corrected and Nanney agreed with Estes' statement that the pool will soon be open to the public. Nanney told the city council that the department staff has worked closely with its contractor partners to ensure that all deficiencies are corrected and that everything is safe, operational, and ready for the upcoming season. He said during inspections, staff identified several deficiencies that needed to be addressed and created a punch list for the contractor to ensure that all work is completed to the highest standard before opening the facility to the public. The pool has some new features. One that Nanney is proud of is the way the water now goes all the way to the rim of the top of the pool. From the shallow end, the swimmer enters the pool just by walking straight to the pool. There are no steps down to the water. The swimmer just begins walking into the water like walking into the ocean from a flat shoreline. Nanney said several contractors have been used throughout the renovation process. Precision Electric was hired to replace the old, corroded electrical system that feeds all buildings at the Franklin Pool. Tri-Cities Painting is pinging all exterior buildings, as well as the interior and floors of the pool house. He said the improvements look great. A & E Roofing repaired damaged gutters and restored the roof on the pump house. The park and rec. department also worked with Atmos Gas to install a new gas line that will supply new pool heaters. Maintenance staff also repainted and reinstalled the old lifeguard stands on the pool deck. Staff has also been working with the electrical system in the concession stand, installing new fans and LED lighting in the pool house breezeway, repairing plumbing leaks, and replacing deteriorated sink bases with new wood. Landscaping improvements have also been completed, including fresh mulch installation and trimming of bushes. The staff has also completed lifeguard interviews for the season and completed orientation meetings with pool staff, reviewing rules, regulations and operational expectations with the lifeguards to make sure everyone is prepared for the upcoming season.