Keep Anderson Afloat: Designing a Replacement for Our Outdoor Pool

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As of 8/15/2025, the initial planning round of public engagement for this project has been completed and the public survey is now closed. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback through the survey, sharing your story, talking to staff at tabling events, attending presentations, and more!

The summary report on the public engagement is in the "Anderson Pool Documents" tab and titled "Anderson Pool Replacement Public Engagement Report 2025".

Next steps:

  • Funding the design phase in an upcoming budget year
  • Putting out a request for proposals from design firms and selecting a design firm
  • Completing the design of the replacement pool
    • This phase will include additional public engagement opportunities to hear community feedback and preferences about the replacement pool design
  • Funding the construction phase in a future budget year, based on the project design and construction estimates
  • Selecting a construction firm
  • Demoing the existing pool and building the replacement pool

Thank you all again!

***

Anderson Outdoor Pool, located within Anderson Park, originally opened in 1979 and has been open to the community annually in the summers since. Despite a facelift in 2008, Anderson Pool and the foundation it’s built on remain mostly original to its 1979 construction, and its aging infrastructure is nearing the end of its functional life. Within the next 3-5 years, the Pool will need to be closed indefinitely or replaced at an estimated cost of $12M-$17M. In 2025, Parks and Recreation staff are asking residents 1) whether or not they support replacing the outdoor pool and 2) if they want to see the Pool replaced and continue to be available to the community, what amenities would they like to see included in the design for the new Pool.


What are some of the issues with the current Pool?

  • Infrastructure:
    • Wall between family and lap pool deteriorating
    • Most of the pool walls are original to 1979, are not up to code, and are nearing the end of their lifespan
    • Family pool is on the original 1979 slab. That age, plus the high water table in Anderson Park, is causing increasing and irreparable damages to pipes and significant water leaks/waste plus the added cost for more water and chemicals
    • Electrical surges have damaged pumps, pipes, and valves.
    • Consistent flooding and shower/toilet issues due to 1970s design that does not align well with civil water system
    • Metal gutters and pool wall plaster are nearing the end of their lifespan
  • Mechanical:
    • Mechanical spaces are not up to current safety codes and need to be rebuilt for employee safety
    • Pool heater is incorrect size, causing issues to both pools
    • Water circulation issues between the slide catch and lap pools
    • Infrastructure issues are causing some of the mechanical issues
  • Explore the FAQ section to learn more details.


Después de décadas de servicio, la piscina Anderson se acerca al final de su vida útil. Será necesario cerrarlo indefinidamente dentro de los próximos 3 a 5 años o bien ser reemplazado.

¿Por qué es necesario un reemplazo?

  • Grietas y daños en las paredes de las piscinas y la infraestructura desde el año 1979.

  • Fugas de agua y desperdicio de recursos debido al envejecimiento de las tuberías.

  • Sistemas mecánicos y eléctricos obsoletos

  • Inundaciones frecuentes y problemas de plomería

As of 8/15/2025, the initial planning round of public engagement for this project has been completed and the public survey is now closed. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback through the survey, sharing your story, talking to staff at tabling events, attending presentations, and more!

The summary report on the public engagement is in the "Anderson Pool Documents" tab and titled "Anderson Pool Replacement Public Engagement Report 2025".

Next steps:

  • Funding the design phase in an upcoming budget year
  • Putting out a request for proposals from design firms and selecting a design firm
  • Completing the design of the replacement pool
    • This phase will include additional public engagement opportunities to hear community feedback and preferences about the replacement pool design
  • Funding the construction phase in a future budget year, based on the project design and construction estimates
  • Selecting a construction firm
  • Demoing the existing pool and building the replacement pool

Thank you all again!

***

Anderson Outdoor Pool, located within Anderson Park, originally opened in 1979 and has been open to the community annually in the summers since. Despite a facelift in 2008, Anderson Pool and the foundation it’s built on remain mostly original to its 1979 construction, and its aging infrastructure is nearing the end of its functional life. Within the next 3-5 years, the Pool will need to be closed indefinitely or replaced at an estimated cost of $12M-$17M. In 2025, Parks and Recreation staff are asking residents 1) whether or not they support replacing the outdoor pool and 2) if they want to see the Pool replaced and continue to be available to the community, what amenities would they like to see included in the design for the new Pool.


What are some of the issues with the current Pool?

  • Infrastructure:
    • Wall between family and lap pool deteriorating
    • Most of the pool walls are original to 1979, are not up to code, and are nearing the end of their lifespan
    • Family pool is on the original 1979 slab. That age, plus the high water table in Anderson Park, is causing increasing and irreparable damages to pipes and significant water leaks/waste plus the added cost for more water and chemicals
    • Electrical surges have damaged pumps, pipes, and valves.
    • Consistent flooding and shower/toilet issues due to 1970s design that does not align well with civil water system
    • Metal gutters and pool wall plaster are nearing the end of their lifespan
  • Mechanical:
    • Mechanical spaces are not up to current safety codes and need to be rebuilt for employee safety
    • Pool heater is incorrect size, causing issues to both pools
    • Water circulation issues between the slide catch and lap pools
    • Infrastructure issues are causing some of the mechanical issues
  • Explore the FAQ section to learn more details.


Después de décadas de servicio, la piscina Anderson se acerca al final de su vida útil. Será necesario cerrarlo indefinidamente dentro de los próximos 3 a 5 años o bien ser reemplazado.

¿Por qué es necesario un reemplazo?

  • Grietas y daños en las paredes de las piscinas y la infraestructura desde el año 1979.

  • Fugas de agua y desperdicio de recursos debido al envejecimiento de las tuberías.

  • Sistemas mecánicos y eléctricos obsoletos

  • Inundaciones frecuentes y problemas de plomería

What does Anderson Pool mean to you? Share your stories and experiences below

(En español ¿Qué significa Anderson Pool para ti? Comparte tus historias y experiencias a continuación.)

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  • Share From Swim Meets to Sun Camp to Family Meetups —Our Neighborhood Deserves a Pool on Facebook Share From Swim Meets to Sun Camp to Family Meetups —Our Neighborhood Deserves a Pool on Twitter Share From Swim Meets to Sun Camp to Family Meetups —Our Neighborhood Deserves a Pool on Linkedin Email From Swim Meets to Sun Camp to Family Meetups —Our Neighborhood Deserves a Pool link

    From Swim Meets to Sun Camp to Family Meetups —Our Neighborhood Deserves a Pool

    by Kdubs820, about 1 year ago

    In the heart of our neighborhood lies a rare gem—one of the only open spaces left that still buzzes with the sounds of kids laughing, parents cheering, and the splash of swimmers chasing their goals. It's here, in this open grassy area with six swim lanes and room to breathe, that our community comes alive during the summer. But without a dedicated public outdoor pool, this gem remains underutilized, and our families are left scrambling for access to basic recreation and wellness.

    We live in what I can only describe as a desert of public outdoor pools. The nearest ones... Continue reading

    In the heart of our neighborhood lies a rare gem—one of the only open spaces left that still buzzes with the sounds of kids laughing, parents cheering, and the splash of swimmers chasing their goals. It's here, in this open grassy area with six swim lanes and room to breathe, that our community comes alive during the summer. But without a dedicated public outdoor pool, this gem remains underutilized, and our families are left scrambling for access to basic recreation and wellness.

    We live in what I can only describe as a desert of public outdoor pools. The nearest ones are over 20 minutes away, and even then, they’re often packed beyond capacity. For families like mine—who can’t afford the luxury of private pool memberships—that’s a serious barrier. My kids are part of the Piranhas swim team, and this nearby site is not just a practice pool; it’s a home. It’s where they learn discipline, build friendships, and experience the joy of teamwork under the sun. It's one of the only places nearby that could truly support a thriving network of youth swim teams.

    My children also attend Sun Camp here each summer, and having a pool on-site turns a regular camp into a magical experience. I still hear them tell stories about their “best summer ever,” made possible by easy access to that water—on hot days, it’s more than fun, it’s relief. It’s childhood. Without a pool, the magic of camp loses some of its sparkle.

    For me personally, this space is more than just about family fun—it’s where I train for triathlons. As an adult athlete, outdoor pool access is essential. It’s where I push my limits, stay healthy, and model an active lifestyle for my kids. And I’m not alone. There are many in our community—parents, seniors, casual swimmers—who are looking for a space to stay active without driving across town.

    This location is already ideal. It’s central, it’s accessible, and it’s designed to support multiple uses: swim teams, camps, families, individual training. With the right investment, it could be a true hub of community connection, wellness, and youth development.

    A public outdoor pool isn’t just a “nice-to-have.” For us, it’s a need. It represents equity in access to recreation, support for local youth sports, and a commitment to health and connection in our neighborhood.

    We’re asking for your help—your support—to make this a reality. Let’s give our kids the summer they deserve, give our teams a place to thrive, and give our community a space to come together and grow stronger.

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    Where Core Memories Are Made

    by hillhavenmaven, about 1 year ago
    We moved to Wheat Ridge in 2005. My two oldest kids started swimming with the Wheat Ridge Piranhas in 2007, and my youngest jumped in when she was 3 years old. Our summers were spent at Anderson Pool--early mornings and Saturday swim meets. As parents, we loved hosting swim meets and seeing other teams discover what a great place Anderson Pool was. One of the best in the Foothills Swim Association and a public pool at that! As soon as my kids were old enough, they started biking to the pool on their own, for practice and for meeting up... Continue reading
    We moved to Wheat Ridge in 2005. My two oldest kids started swimming with the Wheat Ridge Piranhas in 2007, and my youngest jumped in when she was 3 years old. Our summers were spent at Anderson Pool--early mornings and Saturday swim meets. As parents, we loved hosting swim meets and seeing other teams discover what a great place Anderson Pool was. One of the best in the Foothills Swim Association and a public pool at that! As soon as my kids were old enough, they started biking to the pool on their own, for practice and for meeting up with friends. Two have lifeguarded there. Anderson Pool is a character in my kids' childhood and I know I'm not the only one. The pool is abuzz all summer long and is an essential community hub. I hope the city does what it needs to so we can keep this jewel in our civic crown.
Page last updated: 11 Apr 2026, 03:28 PM