June 17, 2025 -- Due to newly discovered leaks, Lackawanna County will delay opening the McDade Park swimming pool.

The $3.1 million pool opened in August 2023. It opened late in the 2024 season to enable the construction contractor to repair a leak. This year, rather than attempt to fix the new leaks on a piecemeal basis, the county will seek bids from other contractors for comprehensive repairs. The bid process, coupled with construction, will be time-consuming.

County Department of Parks and Recreation staffers detected leaks several weeks ago when they removed the pool cover and attempted to fill the pool. The pool leaked at the rate of several inches per hour. To operate, the pool must be filled so that water enters gutters at ground level to be recirculated through the filtration system.

Engineering consultant EDP, of Pittsburgh, examined the pool and recommended that all tile joints on the pool floor be repaired.

County Solicitor Don Frederickson said he will file a claim against the $300,000 maintenance bond that the contractor posted in 2023. Also, he said, the county will not pay the contractor the final $75,000 for the project. The cost of the repair project will not be known until the engineering consultant defines the scope of the project and the county receives bids.

“This is extraordinarily frustrating for everyone,” Commissioner Bill Gaughan said. “But the engineers’ analysis made it clear that a comprehensive repair project is the best approach. We need to do it right for the long haul.”

“We're deeply sorry to announce that unforeseen issues have delayed the opening of McDade Park pool. Repairs will begin as soon as possible, and we're working hard to get the pool open for everyone to enjoy. We share your disappointment and appreciate your patience,” Commissioner Chris Chermak added.

Meanwhile, the McDade Park splashpad will remain open for the season. And lifeguards who had been assigned to the pool will work instead at lakes within the the other county parks: Covington Park, Covington Twp.; Aylesworth Park, Archbald; and Merli-Sarnoski Park, Greenfield Twp.