With major renovation costs necessary to remain in compliance with State law, the City of Rockwall is considering removing the pool from Harry Myers Park and replacing it with a large splash pad with recirculated water. The alternative is to replace all of the plumbing on the pool. Public input is requested to determine the course of action to be taken.

Replacing the sand filters at the Myers Pool was in the approved FY 2012-13 budget to improve circulation and water clarity. During the process of getting bids for the equipment and installation of the new sand filters, it was discovered the pool may not have the correct “turnover” rate to be in compliance with current state regulations. Turnover is the amount of time it takes the entire body of water to circulate through the sanitation system.

The current code requires that any pool built after 1999 must have a 6 hour turnover, which means the pool should go through the filter system every 6 hours. Pools built before 1999 should have a turnover rate of once every 8 hours. Harry Myers Park Pool was built in approximately 1963, and is estimated to have a turnover rate between 9 and 11 hours.

The cost to implement recommendations to bring the pool’s circulation system into compliance is estimated to be $90,000. The scope of work includes:

  • Installation of a new 7.5 hp pump
  • New commercial grade sand filter and piping
  • Remove all sidewalk and concrete decking to remove existing piping
  • Core drill sides of pool wall to install 11 new inlets and 11 new returns
  • Install new main filter return line
  • Install new main sumps and main drain covers
  • Pour all new sidewalks and concrete decking
  • New electrical disconnect and panel
  • Install chlorine feeder and controller utilizing existing equipment

The expense to bring the pool up to current codes is significant. A suggestion was to consider another recreational amenity that would add play value and possibly a longer open season. An alternative to repairing the pool is to close the Myers Park Pool and build a new interactive spray park in the same location.

The estimated cost of a spray park is $425,000. The proposed spray park would utilize a recycled water filtration and tank system. The three current Rockwall spray grounds do not recirculate and are not operating due to water restrictions. The proposed project utilizes a recirculation system and would be able to operate during water restrictions.

The funding mechanism proposed is that $350,000 would come from the General Fund Reserves and $75,000 would come from the Pro-rata Equipment Fees associated with park district #21 escrow fund. The funds would be repaid at a rate of $50,000 annually to the General Fund Reserves beginning FY 2014-2015. These funds have no impact to the tax rate.

Due to the reduced number of lifeguards needed, there would be approximately $38,000 savings in the annual operating budget. Gloria Williams Pool would remain open and not see any significant changes to its operations. Swim lessons and open public swim will continue at Gloria Williams Pool.

The City of Rockwall is seeking public input regarding proposed changes to the Harry Myers Municipal Pool. The Rockwall Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a public input forum at the next scheduled Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting on Wednesday September 4, 2013. The meeting will begin at 6:00 pm at City Hall, located at 385 S. Goliad.

For more information please contact 972-771-7761

Bob Lewis
Planet Rockwall