Park board steadfast in decision to keep Memorial Pool closed

Board still open to studies into possible alternatives

It looks as though La Crosse’s Memorial Pool will be closed this summer. The recommendation of La Crosse’s park board stands. 

Park board president and city council member Ryan Cornett says he hasn’t changed his position to close the pool for this season, at least, especially considering all the work that would have to go into the pool to get it just marginally operational.

“Like last year, when we did the repairs, in the whole scope of things, you think of a year’s worth of money, you’re only getting two, three months of worth that you’re putting into this project,” Cornett said.

The park board made its recommendation a couple of months ago.

Next month the city council votes on closing the pool for the summer and funding a study to determine, among other things, whether it should be replaced with something new.  

Not everyone is in agreement with the decision to close the pool. 

The Grandview Emerson Neighborhood Association has been increasingly critical of the city’s apparent willingness to shut down Memorial pool – possibly permanently.  

Cornett is open to the council funding a larger study of the pool to see, whether it might be replaced, relocated or completely overhauled. But that’s a lot to evaluate.

“If we’re able to afford it, to put another pool there or a different location,” Cornett said, “or even modify the pool in a different way, I would be in favor of it, and I think the park board is willing to work with the community on that.”