Webber Natural Swimming Pool progresses and fall milestones are reached

Webber Natural Swimming Pool progresses and fall milestones are reached

Local Lions Club aims to raise funds for swim lesson scholarships in 2015

Construction of the pool (left) and regeneration pond (right) at Webber Park.

Construction of the natural swimming pool at Webber Park is progressing and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is pleased that several key construction milestones have been reached.

A groundbreaking for the project was in August of 2013, but unusually cold winter weather followed by unprecedented spring frost levels that extended several feet deeper than average slowed construction last winter and this spring. Today, park officials are pleased with the work that has been accomplished and are excited for the project to be completed and opened to the public next year.

“I’m extremely proud that we are building the first public natural filtration swimming pool in North America, and that next year we will open this fantastic swimming facility to the community and region,” said Jon Olson, park commissioner representing north Minneapolis. “Being first is exciting, but it can also be challenging. We’ve had unexpected delays for a variety of reasons, but I think it will be worth the wait.”

Olson explained that the opening date next year will be determined, in large part, by what the weather is like this fall and next spring. He is anxious to get the new facility open as soon as possible so the community can begin enjoying the pool.

Featuring a patented biological filtration system, the Webber pool is designed to use plants in a nearby regeneration pond instead of chemicals to treat the water. At just over 21,000 square feet, the pool is larger than most natural swimming pools in Europe. The new pool design includes a 4,500 square foot wading area with a maximum depth of 39 inches and a 16,800 square foot swimming area and lap pool that features five swimming lap lanes and a diving area with a maximum depth of approximately 12 feet. The new pool will offer triple the recreation space of the park's aging concrete pool and wading pool that was removed in 2010.

Construction of the pool at Webber Park.

As of this fall, construction of the pool house is nearly complete. The pool house will serve as an entry into the facility, with restrooms and outdoor pool-side showers in the summer. Beginning in winter 2015-16, the building will serve as a warming space for ice-skating on the pond that will be created in the pool area.

Also completed in September was the regeneration basin that features more than 7,000 native plants to clean the water.

The liner in the swimming pool has been installed and finishing stone work along the pool’s edge is underway. Next year, fencing, landscaping and trails need to be completed.

“When we open next year, we will be able to serve 500 people in the pool at one time,” said Commissioner Olson. “We will have certified lifeguards on duty and there will be free daily open swimming.”

There will be swim lessons and other fee based programs offered in the morning, prior to open swimming. Scholarships will be available.

“There has been tremendous community support for this project,” said Olson. “The local Lions Club has committed $5,000 for swim lesson scholarships and has a goal of raising a total of $15,000 so more kids can get the swim lessons they need.”

To learn more about the project, or to subscribe and receive email updates, visit www.minneapolisparks.org/currentprojects and select Webber Park.