News

Capehart Pool to permanently close

  • Published
  • By Trisha Loede
  • 55th Force Support Squadron
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  After much research, coordination and evaluation, Offutt Air Force Base officials have decided to permanently close the Capehart Pool.

The pool, originally built in 1972, is in need of excessive repairs and is unsafe to use.

“Closing the Capehart Pool was a tough decision,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Marty Reynolds, 55th Wing commander. “We certainly wish there was something we could do to keep it open, but in the end our deteriorating pool is unsafe for use.”

The concrete foundation of the pool, which is located just off of 25th Street in Bellevue adjacent to the Offutt Youth Center, is crumbling. Extensive and costly repairs would be necessary to return the pool to safe operations.

“It was believed the recent installation of a new pool liner would adequately seal any leaks from cracks in the pool, but this proved to be incorrect as large bubbles caused by seeping ground water surfaced under the liner in early August last season,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Ryan Stebbins, 55th Force Support Squadron commander.

Officials could not guarantee the liner would maintain its integrity and thus the pool was closed early for the season in 2015. A complete replacement of the pool is estimated in excess of $8 million.

Air Force Instructions classify the pool as a category B activity, meaning they are authorized limited appropriated fund support for lifeguard costs and life, safety and health issues – but not construction funding. Any major repairs or new construction would have to be funded with non-appropriated funds.

Air Force NAF construction dollars are limited to roughly $25 million annually for the entire Air Force. All potential Air Force projects must meet stringent requirements based on scores from internal needs validation studies and financial pro formas to determine rates of return and payback.

“Based on the limited outdoor pool season, the Capehart Pool operation does not generate the level of revenue necessary to meet the required rate of return and payback to justify new construction,” Stebbins said.

To help offset the closure of the Capehart Pool, the 55th FSS is extending the hours of the indoor pool, located within the Offutt Field House, as of May 2. Recreational swim times will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays during designated times.

Lap Swim:
Monday - Friday, 6 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 3 - 6 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Recreational Swim:
Saturday - Sunday, noon - 3 p.m.

Swimming lessons will also be offered at the indoor pool. During the summer months, there will be three indoor pool group swim lesson sessions (2 weeks per session) for $40 per person. Private lessons (1 participant) will be offered for $75 per person and semi-private lessons (2 to 3 participants) will be offered for $60 per person throughout the year. The private and semi-private lessons are based on instructor availability and all lessons will be set-up through the aquatics coordinator, DeAnn Wege at 402-294-4049.

Aquatics will be holding a pre-registration for summer swim lesson sessions at the May Play Day at the Base Lake Recreation Area on May 7, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

In addition to the indoor pool, many local communities offer discounted pool rates for active duty members and their families.

The City of Bellevue offers active duty members a rate of $30 for the season or $75 for their entire family. The City of Plattsmouth has individual rates for $60.75 or a family option for $154.35.

And while Papio Bay in the City of Papillion does not offer discounted military rates, they do have lower prices for residents. If you’re a Papillion resident you can get individual passes for $85.50 or family passes for $180. If you reside outside of the city, the costs are $94.50 and $216.

For further 55th FSS updates, please visit http://offutt55fss.com.