SCRANTON — Lackawanna County will delay opening the swimming pool at McDade Park, citing newly discovered leaks at the pool that reopened in 2023 following a yearslong hiatus and substantial renovations.
County parks and recreation workers discovered the leaks several weeks ago when they removed the cover to fill the pool, which leaked at a rate of several inches per hour, officials said. It’s a problem that makes the 2025 swim season there uncertain.
Engineering consultant EDP ultimately recommended that all of the tile joints on the pool’s floor be repaired, according to a press release.
The renovated pool opened in August 2023, part of a $3.1 million project that also included a new bathhouse, restrooms, splash pad equipment and other elements. Officials opened the pool last year in late June after a delay prompted by a leak repair.
“This is extraordinarily frustrating for everyone,” Commissioner Bill Gaughan said in the press release. “But the engineers’ analysis made it clear that a comprehensive repair project is the best approach. We need to do it right for the long haul.”
Commissioner Chris Chermak said in the release that repairs will begin as soon as possible.
“We’re deeply sorry to announce that unforeseen issues have delayed the opening of (the) McDade Park pool,” he said. “We share your disappointment and appreciate your patience.”
County Solicitor Donald Frederickson plans to file a claim against a $300,000 maintenance bond the contractor, D&M Construction Unlimited, posted in 2023. The county also won’t make the final $75,000 payment for the project, officials said.
Efforts to reach D&M Construction officials were not immediately successful.
Due to newly discovered leaks, Lackawanna County will delay opening the McDade Park swimming pool.
COURTESY OF LACKAWANNA COUNTYDue to newly discovered leaks, Lackawanna County will delay opening the McDade Park swimming pool.
Kids enter the newly refurbished pool at McDade Park in Scranton on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023. Leaks have delayed the pool’s opening this year, making the 2025 season uncertain.
The cost of the pending repair project won’t be known until the scope of the work is defined and the county receives competitive bids.
“The bid process, coupled with construction, will be time-consuming,” the release notes.
Officials reassigned lifeguards who otherwise would have worked the pool to the three lakes at Covington, Aylesworth and Merli-Sarnoski parks, where swimming is permitted. McDade’s splash pad will remain open despite the pool issues.