In partnership with Frost Engineering and TMP Architecture, Counsilman-Hunsaker conducted comprehensive assessments of the Kennedy Water Playground and Potawatomi Pool facilities during the summer and fall of 2022.
Potawatomi Pool Assessment
Originally constructed in 1955, the Potawatomi facility includes a lap pool, deep pool, and wading pool. A significant renovation completed in 2001 updated the bathhouse and added a waterslide. Despite these improvements, much of the pool's recirculation equipment dates back to the 1990s and has exceeded its expected lifespan. The original cast iron piping was identified as a likely contributor to substantial daily water loss, reported to exceed 14,000 gallons.
The most critical concern was the deteriorating condition of the pool structures. Concrete spalling and deterioration began approximately 20 years ago, prompting the installation of a liner in 2005. This liner, designed with a 10-year lifespan, is now beyond replacement viability due to the ongoing degradation of the underlying structures. Manufacturers have declined to warranty a new liner, forcing City staff to implement temporary fixes by replacing liner segments every 4-6 weeks during the operational season. Over the past few seasons, the facility's condition has worsened to the point where it has remained closed to the public.
Kennedy Water Playground Assessment
Opened in 2000, the Kennedy Water Playground is a vital community resource during the summer months. While heavily utilized, much of the facility and its equipment remains original, aside from an interior liner replacement for the pool, a new chlorinator, a water chemistry controller, and multiple piping repairs. Extensive leaks were identified in the buried piping beneath the mechanical room, pool deck, and play structure. Before repairs, staff reported a daily water loss of 10,000 gallons, with water seeping beneath the deck. These issues suggest potential PVC piping installation flaws or underlying geotechnical problems that were not adequately addressed during construction. Additionally, corrosion in the mechanical room equipment prompted recommendations for replacement.
Recommendations and Final Report
Counsilman-Hunsaker provided the City of South Bend with a detailed report outlining recommendations for both facilities, including:
- Potawatomi Pool: Structural repairs, replacement of aging equipment systems, and overhauling the piping infrastructure.
- Kennedy Water Playground: The play structure will be replaced, buried piping will be repaired, and the recirculation equipment will be upgraded.
Each recommendation was accompanied by cost estimates, and a final presentation was delivered to the City Council to assist in decision-making.