By Shannon Lukens.
The lap pool at the Old Town Hot Springs won’t be finished this summer, as originally planned. It won’t be ready now until summer of 2025.
An email from Old Town Hot Springs says it’s because of unanticipated demo and excavation work that was required. A second problem, according to Old Town Hot Springs, was the company that was hired to build the pool went through a corporate merger and restructuring which led to another delay.
The lap pool closed in mid-September 2023.
There will be no discounts for those with OTHS memberships because there isn’t a lap pool for another year now through summer of 2025. In addition to the lap pool, the new area is expected to have a splash pad, community pool, and hot soaking pool.
Sarah Konopka with Old Town Hot Springs says they’re trying to explore options for the summer.
She said they are also looking for options for the Steamboat Springs Swim Team, to possibly swim at the Craig Lap Pool with the Craig Swim Team this summer.
Press release from Old Town Hot Springs; Feb. 22, 2024.
Old Town Hot Springs Announce Updated Timeline for Capital Campaign Project
Steamboat Springs, Colorado (February 22, 2024) – Old Town Hot Springs (OTHS) started construction on the final phase of our Capital Campaign in September of 2023 with the plan to replace the aging lap pool with a new community pool, lap pool, hot pool, and kiddie splash pad area. We are disappointed to share that our timeline has been pushed back due to two construction challenges beyond our control, and the new pools will now reopen in the summer of 2025.
The first challenge we encountered was the necessity for unanticipated demo and excavation work to ensure the long-term viability of the new pool structures. Under the guidance of our team of engineers and contractors, the additional groundwork was required and added to our construction timeline.
The second challenge presented itself in the new year when our pool builder took part in a corporate merger and restructuring. The restructuring of the organization inevitably led to a pause in our pool construction. The new pool builders have adjusted the timeline to ensure the work is done to their corporate standards, which has added significant time to our plan.
As the only public swimming pool in Routt County, we know the impact this will have on our community. The only solace is that the merger of pool contractors is between two highly reputable companies, and we are very confident that the end product will be best-in-class. After ample negotiations and conversations, we are moving forward with clear expectations and knowledge that these pools will be built for long-term success.
“It goes without saying that summer at Old Town Hot Springs will look a little different this year,” said Stephanie Orozco, Executive Director of Old Town Hot Springs. “We have gone through massive challenges similar to this before, like during our COVID-19 closure, and while it’s heartbreaking to face a setback like this mid-project, I know that what we will be well suited for the future. ” added Orozco. “Our team is working through what the next year will look like operationally and will be seeking opportunities to provide health and wellness support to our community in creative ways.”
For additional information, please visit, www.oldtownhotsprings.org/construction-faqs/.
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This is what the pool area is expected to look like when construction is finished, which won’t be until summer of 2025.
