2 Columbus pools promised ready for summer won’t open. Here’s what the city is offering instead.

Two swimming pools operated by the Columbus Consolidated Government will remain closed this summer because of leaking problems.

City Parks and Recreation Director Holli Browder made the announcement to Columbus Council Tuesday during a regular business meeting.

Browder said the expense to assess the conditions at the Psalmond Road and Shirley Winston pools cost more than originally estimated. And contractors couldn’t guarantee the work would be completed in time for the 2018 pool season that runs May 30 to Aug. 5.

To address the issue, the city will provide a free Summer Fun Pass to children 18 and under, Browder said. The pass will grant free admission to the city’s Double Churches and Rigdon outdoor pools. In addition, it will allow children to swim at the Columbus Aquatic Center at the reduced price of $1 per child.

Hours for the Double Churches and Rigdon pools will be noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 11 a.m to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Aquatic Center hours will be 6 a.m to 8 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday. Concessions will be sold at the facility.

The Summer Fun Pass also will provide free Metra Transportation to pools and other city amenities for children 18 and under. Children also will get free admission to the Columbus Ice Skating Rink from May 30 through June 25th.

Parents can pick up a free summer pass at any city recreation center, the Parks and Rec administrative office, Metra Transfer Station, Columbus Ice Rink and the Aquatic Center during the 10-week pool season.

In March, city officials told council that it would cost about $500,000 to fix the Psalmond Road and Shirley Winston pools.

On Tuesday, Browder said assessing the leaks could cost up to $60,000, and no one knows what’s below the surface. Additional work and funding could be required.

She said closing the two pools would decrease the city’s revenue by about $40,000. But it would also decrease operating expenses by $200,000.

This story was originally published April 10, 2018 at 7:10 PM with the headline "2 Columbus pools promised ready for summer won’t open. Here’s what the city is offering instead.."