NORWICH – With the first day of summer just a week away, Kurt Beyer Pool will remain closed as the city continues to seek funding for repairs to its filter system and lining. Because of this, all youth swimming programs – including swim instruction, the swim team and open swim – will be held at the Norwich High School Pool, beginning June 27.

Earlier this year, city officials decided to close Kurt Beyer Pool throughout the summer for repairs. At that time, repairs were estimated at $150,000, according to Public Works Superintendent Carl Ivarson, who made the initial report at the Feb. 15 Common Council meeting.

At that meeting, Ivarson asked council members to consider whether having a pool that’s only open nine weeks out of the year is worth the cost. Ward Four Alderman Walter Schermerhorn responded, and said that “there are no sacred cows and all possibilities must be considered.”

According to Youth Bureau Director Robert Mason, Kurt Beyer saw approximately 12,000 swimmers make use of the pool in 2010. On any given year, over 200 people enroll for swim lessons, with another 70 signing up for the swim team.

In April, an updated proposal called for nearly $280,000 in repairs at Kurt Beyer, including the replacement of the existing sand filter system, and a new marcite pool lining, with the installation of a solar water heater, as well. At the April Common Council meeting, Ivarson reported that new filters have a lifespan of ten years, as does the marcite lining, which is now in its ninth year. Installing the solar heater, he added, might improve the city’s chances in obtaining a grant for the project.