As of today, Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) expects to reopen Montavilla Pool to the public on or before Monday, July 22, 2024.
Montavilla Pool will open later this summer due to a planned upgrade to the pool’s plumbing that required a more complex solution to achieve federal compliance. Montavilla Pool requires fabricating and installing a new pool drain cover to meet Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act requirements. This upgrade work involves accessing the plumbing and drainage system through the pool's concrete bottom with an excavator and other heavy machinery.
Since last summer, PP&R aquatic maintenance staff have been unable to access Montavilla Pool due to an ongoing independent safety review. Once PP&R maintenance staff could assess Montavilla Pool for summer 2024 preparations, they determined that the planned federally mandated plumbing and drain cover work will take additional time. The contractor intends to complete the work by July 22, 2024.
“Portlanders’ swim safety is paramount,” said Portland Parks & Recreation Director Adena Long.
“We appreciate swimmers’ and families’ patience and understanding alongside the diligent work of our maintenance teams as we adjust our reopening plans to prioritize swim safety for all. PP&R will continue to focus on keeping swimmers safe while improving swim literacy through infrastructure upgrades, training improvements, equipment acquisition, public education, and the expansion of our Schools to Pools program.”
PP&R has contacted Summer Session 1 (July 1-July 12) swim lesson registrants with the option to participate in the East Portland Community Center (EPCC) pool's swim lessons. Registrants were offered a full refund if EPCC didn't fit families' swim plans. During this delayed opening period, Montavilla Pool staff and customers who have signed up for programs (swim lessons, summer swim team activities, etc.) will be temporarily moved to the EPCC pool to provide swimming lessons and increased swimming opportunities.
The City's six other outdoor public pools are scheduled to open for summer on Thursday, June 20, 2024. Visit PP&R Aquatics website for more information.