Keep Anderson Afloat: Designing a Replacement for Our Outdoor Pool
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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 remains 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
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 remains 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
What does Anderson Pool mean to you? Share your stories and experiences below
Thank you for sharing your story with us.
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I am a Wheat Ridge Native a Farmer Graduate, A swimmer, swim instructor, swim coach and a lifeguard. Some of my first memories were at Anderson pool. I learned to swim with the Wheat Ridge Piranhas and I have never gone a summer without being at Anderson. There is no better feeling than being a kid than seeing other kids and becoming their friends at the pool just for that day. And then seeing those connections being made from the perspective of a lifeguard has been heart warming. I used to walk or bike to the pool on hot summer... Continue reading
Share From Swim Meets to Sun Camp to Family Meetups —Our Neighborhood Deserves a Pool on FacebookShare From Swim Meets to Sun Camp to Family Meetups —Our Neighborhood Deserves a Pool on TwitterShare From Swim Meets to Sun Camp to Family Meetups —Our Neighborhood Deserves a Pool on LinkedinEmail From Swim Meets to Sun Camp to Family Meetups —Our Neighborhood Deserves a Pool link
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
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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
Keep Anderson Afloat: Designing a Replacement for Our Outdoor Pool is currently at this stage
In spring and summer 2025, parks and recreation staff will be tabling at the Anderson Outdoor Pool and doing direct engagement with local community groups and stakeholders to determine support for replacing the Pool and preferred amenities.
Potential Design Phase
this is an upcoming stage for Keep Anderson Afloat: Designing a Replacement for Our Outdoor Pool
If the community supports replacing the Outdoor Pool, and if/when city budget allows, there will be a 1-2 year design phase for a replacement pool. This will include additional community input about design and amenity options.
Potential Demolition and Construction Phase
this is an upcoming stage for Keep Anderson Afloat: Designing a Replacement for Our Outdoor Pool
If the community supports replacing the Outdoor Pool, and if/when city budget allows, there will be a demolition and construction phase following the design phase. This existing pool will be removed and the new pool will be constructed.