weekend in June prompted
the closing of Lions Pool
for repairs. (Photos courtesy
of Homewood-Flossmoor
Park District)
The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District is in the midst of making major repairs at Lions Pool after a crack was discovered in the pool flooring Monday.
Officials hope to have the pool re-opened this weekend.
Debbie Kopas, the park district’s executive director, said a junior high pool party was about to begin early Monday morning when life guards found that a portion of the pool had heaved up.
“The pool was built in the 1950s in four sections, and it’s at the intersection of those four pieces that we found the damage,” she explained.
For the safety of swimmers, a lifeguard stood over the area while the pool party was going on. Immediately afterward, the pool was closed and drained.
material where a crack
developed in Lions Pool.
Crews were called in to make the repair on Tuesday to a 6-foot by 6-foot area. Park staff thought the concrete was about 6 inches deep, but Kopas said once the repair crews started cutting into the concrete, they discovered it was between 13 and 18 inches deep.
The repairs are now complete and a smooth finish has been laid over the area, Kopas said. The repair was deeper than expected, so it may take a longer time for it to cure.
Kopas said village officials have agreed to help the park district refill the pool. Under ordinary conditions, the park district would use its well to fill the pool over three days. Using village hydrants the pool will be filled in one day.
The pool opened Memorial Day weekend. Beautiful weather brought families and kids to the pool. On Memorial Day, May 30, the pool was at capacity and park district staff members were anticipating a busy summer.
“That was the first time in three years we had capacity,” Kopas said. “We know today some patrons are disappointed, but for safety reasons, we felt we had to close the pool and make the repairs.”
Kopas urged swimmers to check the park district website at hfparks.com for re-opening information.