Anderson Outdoor Pool

The Anderson Outdoor Pool has served the Wheat Ridge community since 1979. For more than four decades, it has provided affordable outdoor recreation, swim lessons, fitness opportunities, special events, and a gathering place for residents of all ages.

Although the pool has been well maintained throughout its life, the facility has reached the end of its functional lifespan and needs significant investment within the next two to four years or will need to be closed permanently.

Replacing Anderson Pool is one of several community priorities currently being discussed by the Wheat Ridge City Council, and community support for replacing Anderson Pool was one of the strongest priorities identified in the city's recent voter survey.

Current Conditions

A 2023 facility assessment identified more than $1.1 million in immediate repair needs simply to continue operating safely each season. Long-term replacement of critical infrastructure makes renovation financially impractical, leaving replacement as the preferred long-term solution.

Infrastructure

The majority of Anderson Pool's infrastructure dates back to its original 1979 construction.

Major issues include:

Original pool walls that no longer meet current standards
Deteriorating wall separating the lap and family pools
Original concrete slab beneath the family pool
Underground pipe failures caused by age and groundwater conditions
Significant water leakage and increased water loss
Aging metal gutters
Deteriorating plaster finishes
Recurring plumbing and flooding issues
Electrical surges that have damaged pumps, valves, and equipment

Mechanical Systems

Several mechanical systems have also reached the end of their useful life.

Current concerns include:

Mechanical rooms that no longer meet modern safety standards
Undersized heating system
Water circulation challenges
Aging pumps, valves, and filtration equipment
Mechanical failures resulting from deteriorating infrastructure

The Community Recently Weighed In

During 2025, the City completed an extensive community engagement process to better understand the future of Anderson Pool.

Engagement included:

More than 4,700 project webpage visits
More than 2,000 residents providing feedback
English and Spanish surveys
Community event outreach
School visits
Summer camp engagement
Stakeholder presentations

Residents overwhelmingly supported replacing the pool while identifying priorities for future amenities and programming. Learn more about the community engagement here.

Design Status

The City budgeted funding for design services in 2026 and is currently selecting a design consultant.

During the consultant interview process, design teams presented conceptual approaches illustrating potential directions for a future aquatic facility. These concepts are intended solely to demonstrate design philosophy and are not proposed pool designs.

Final renderings have not yet been developed. Once a design consultant is selected, the City will begin a comprehensive design process that includes additional community engagement before final concepts are prepared and shared publicly.

Benefits to the Community

A new aquatic facility would:

Continue providing outdoor swimming opportunities
Improve accessibility
Enhance safety for guests and employees
Reduce long-term maintenance costs
Improve operational efficiency
Better serve future recreational needs
Create opportunities for updated amenities identified by the community

Fast Facts

Facility Opened: 1979
Years Serving Community: 47 Years
Immediate Repair Needs: More than $1.1 million
Estimated Replacement Cost: $12–17 million
Current Status: Design consultant selection underway
Design Funding: Budgeted in the 2026
Public Engagement Participants: 2,000+
Website Visits: 4,700+
Project Website: https://whatsupwheatridge.com/anderson-pool