East Potomac Pool Update: “I’m sad to share that they are filling in the pool with dirt and it seems that the pool may never be completed”

“Dear PoPville,

For the past week I have been trying to find out what is going on with the East Potomac Park pool. You posted about the unknown status of the pool earlier this week. I have now received a response from DPR. I’m sad to share that they are filling in the pool with dirt and it seems that the pool may never be completed. DPR directed me to the updated project page which states “It has become necessary to demobilize and stabilize the East Potomac Pool project due to deteriorating site conditions from significant and unforeseen groundwater intrusion that ultimately made the continuation of the project both safety and cost prohibitive.

Demobilizing involves halting the original project work. Stabilization involves deconstructing what was put in place during the project, filling in any excavations, and grading the site to prevent stormwater run-off and ponding. 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. Working with our partners at the Department of Parks and Recreation, DGS strives to maximize park and recreation spaces, especially for opportunities to swim. We will continue to deliberate about next steps and will follow up with the community once there is further direction for the project.” The project page can be found here.”