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SALEM -- The most likely source of the leak in the Centennial Park Pool has been found.
Water testing was conducted at the pool Oct. 27 to attempt to isolate the cause of the leak which has been under investigation since September. Parks Foreman Jim Grimm said that the results showed eight leaks in the interior seams of the pool, which are most likely caused by failures in the welded seams on the exterior of the pressure tubing. Grimm said he had received an estimate from a welder to open inspection windows and repair all 42 seams for $8,400.
However, Grimm said he and Recreation Supervisor Kelli Pastore were currently investigating the potential of using a steel epoxy to conduct the repairs, which Grimm believed "could potentially cut that price in half." Grimm also cited concerns that the heat of the welding repair could compromise the stainless steel of the pool, making it brittle.
Grimm said to properly conduct the repairs, the pool would need to be drained and cleaned and an access window cut regardless of which approach the department ultimately settled on, suggesting they begin work in early March.
Parks Director Shane Franks suggested that the department should also contact Premier Pool Management for their professional opinion, as the department has worked with them in the past and they were very knowledgeable and open.
During his report, Grimm said that the owner of Park's Greenhouse and Garden Center had donated 15 trees to the park with an estimated value greater than $1,200. Grimm thanked Park's for their continued generosity and support of the parks department.
"I'd like to thank Park's Greenhouse and Garden Center for thinking of us, and giving us the availability to accept these trees," said Grimm.
Grimm also said that winterization had been completed in all areas, and bathrooms had been closed for the winter.
During her report, Pastore said that November's Go Wild in the Park programming had been very successful, particularly the Raptor Hallow Animal Sanctuary event Nov. 11 which had over 65 people in attendance. Pastore said that upcoming parks programming includes wooden ornament making Dec. 5, a presentation on Ohio's native owl species with a pinecone owl craft to follow Jan. 24, and a program to learn about bird species that remain in the area throughout winter and make a bird seed feeder. Anyone interested in these events can register at the Salem Public Library's website.
The meeting concluded with an executive session for the discussion of personnel matters with no action to follow.
The parks commission will meet next at 5 p.m. Dec. 20.