Libby swim pond not quite ready for public use
Libby's new swim pond has some work left to do before it can be opened for use by the public. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Libby’s new swimming pond may look ready for use, but park manager Adam Noble told The Western News there is still work to be done before it’s ready for the public.
“We need to put up fencing up and get the water level higher so it will begin to circulate. Right now, it's just a muddy pond,” Noble said. “We also need to place signs that explain the hours of operation and about safety.”
Noble is also hoping people who use the facility will do so with care.
“It’s a $150,000 project and we ask folks to help us take care of it so everyone can enjoy it,” Noble said.
The Lincoln County Port Authority recently gave $7,000 so the rest of the liner could be covered in sand, allowing it to be filled with water.
For decades, Libby area residents have clamored for a new pool, but a lack of financial resources made a traditional pool undoable.
The swim pond, which is located next to the Libby fish pond on Fish Pond Road near the Millpond Motocross Park, is a compromise that Noble hopes people will enjoy.
A 5,000-pound liner was placed in the hole Saturday, May 31. Dozens of volunteers joined others to get it in place.
The pool’s dimensions are about 220-feet by 150-feet. It will be five feet depth.
“According to Montana law, if it is deeper than five feet, we would need a lifeguard and the money isn’t available for that,” Noble said. “We’ll have the appropriate signage in place that alerts everyone to the fact there is no lifeguard and the risk is theirs to use the pool.”
Water for the pool is diverted from Libby Creek.
Work began toward the end of winter when Libby-based Thompson Contracting began to dig the hole. But after they opted to not finish the work, announced at an April 28 park district meeting, the board opted to hire Urdahl Contracting of Libby to finish the work.
Board members said Thompson didn’t accept payment for the work.
A number of community members have supported the swim pond effort, including Lincoln County Credit Union, the LOR Foundation and from the county and park district.