Needed repairs and uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic have led the City of Eau Claire to announce the Fairfax Pool will not open at all this year.

According to a Thursday press release from the city, the pool suffered some water loss last season, and earlier this year numerous breaks on an inlet pipe were found. “The concrete pool floor has to be saw cut, excavated and over 80 feet of pipe replaced,” the city said. “This repair is expected to take several weeks to be completed with new concrete needing to be poured, cured, and then repainted. The extent of the repairs and expected time it will take to complete them, unfortunately, makes opening the pool not feasible.”

The city said that when it opens in 2021, the pool will have “an improved concession area and new water play features.”

Meanwhile, it’s still uncertain when (or even if) Wakanda Waterpark in Menomonie will open for 2020. In a Facebook post, Julie Stratton, the city’s recreation manager, said city administration will make a decision soon about summer at the waterpark.

And in Chippewa Falls, the Bernard F. Willi Outdoor Pool remains closed. Keep an eye on the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department’s Facebook page for updates.

Here’s the full press release about Fairfax Pool:

Fairfax Pool Closure

The City of Eau Claire will be closing the Fairfax Pool for the 2020 season due to needed repairs and the replacement of a broken water pipe. Additionally, the current pandemic and its health implications create an increased risk we do not want to take with our guests.

The Community Services Department-Recreation Division discovered the broken water pipe under the main pool area earlier this year after reporting a water loss during the 2019 summer season. After a thorough investigation of the underground piping system it was discovered to have numerous breaks on a 4” inlet pipe that was constructed in 1991. The concrete pool floor has to be saw cut, excavated and over 80 feet of pipe replaced. This repair is expected to take several weeks to be completed with new concrete needing to be poured, cured, and then repainted. The extent of the repairs and expected time it will take to complete them, unfortunately, makes opening the pool not feasible.

This is a very difficult decision as we know the community of Eau Claire enjoys this wonderful facility, but we also look forward to being open in 2021 with an improved concession area, and new water play features that will be constructed this year while we are closed for the 2020 season.

Individual and Family Season Passes that were purchased for the 2020 season will be automatically refunded. The Recreation Administration office can be contacted at recreation@eauclairewi.gov.