The future is uncertain for the pool in East Potomac Park, which finally looked like it was on track after multiple construction delays. Now, the D.C. Department of General Services says the construction project will not continue as originally planned.
DGS director Keith A. Anderson told DCist in an emailed statement this week that it had become necessary to “demobilize and stabilize” the project because site conditions had deteriorated, in part because of significant groundwater intrusion that made it impossible to continue, both for safety and cost reasons.
Demobilizing involves halting the original work on the project, while stabilization entails deconstructing what had been put in place as part of the project and filling in excavations, per Anderson’s statement.
He continued, “We are disappointed that the current course of action has become necessary but believe it is in the best interest of District residents and taxpayers.”
It’s not immediately clear whether the pool will eventually be built or what the city’s plans are for the site.
Hughes Group Architects and Consys Inc., the architect and general contractor listed for the project respectively, did not respond to a request for comment.
The East Potomac Pool was originally built in the 1930s according to a 2015 project design document submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission, and has been closed since 2016. Prior to its closure, the Olympic-size pool was home to various local swim teams.
The project aimed to replace the pool and pool deck, and renovate the pool house. “The current configuration of the pool house does not support the current facility needs and is not compliant with current building codes or ADA requirements,” the 2015 project design document reads. “The existing pool deck and structure…is deteriorating and has exceeded its building life cycle.”
The D.C. Line reported last year that the project was back on track after a series of delays that officials said stemmed from obstacles like manholes found beneath the pool, undocumented utility lines running across the site, and heavy rains.
Originally expected to cost $12 million, according to the city’s capital budget for fiscal year 2017, the project’s current budget is $14,350,000, per the DGS website. DGS lists its start date as winter 2018.
Anderson said the department, working with the Department of Parks and Recreation, aims to maximize recreation spaces in the city, and will “continue to deliberate about next steps and will follow up with the community once there is further direction for the project.”
