Following the 2018 outdoor pool season, the City of Kirkwood commissioned Counsilman-Hunsaker to perform a facility audit on the Kirkwood Aquatic Center. Constructed in 1999, the aquatic center has served the city and surrounding communities for nearly 20 years. When the facility opened to the public, it was one of the first modern outdoor family aquatic centers in the area providing opportunities for a diverse aquatic experience and catering to a broad range of ages and user groups. This early era of modern family aquatic center, a facility type that gained popularity through the 1990’s and early 2000’s and is still evolving today, could still be considered state-of-the-art in many ways with regard to the features and amenities it provides. However, this facility has aged to a point where physical conditions are creating operational challenges and increased maintenance demand. The goal of the audit was to identify such deficiencies and to provide advice and information which will be useful in determining a course of action for the future of the Kirkwood Aquatic Center.
The primary concerns with the current condition of the aquatic center are water loss (leaking pool systems) and the condition/operation of the pool mechanical systems, including below grade piping. A detailed audit report and presentation were prepared to inform the city of any necessary repairs, replacement or restoration of the pool systems, including identification of issues requiring further intensive evaluation or analysis. Recommendations were made for renovation or replacement of pool systems including cost estimates for each specific renovation scope item. The City of Kirkwood is utilizing this cost estimate data in budgeting for facility updates to be undertaken in the coming years.