Feature image for Rolling With The Punches

Rolling With The Punches

Vancouver’s Marshall Pool renovation shows why older aquatic projects need strong teams, clear scopes, contingencies, and communication.

5 min read

Photo Credit: Courtesy of City of Vancouver, Washington

In late 2014, the city of Vancouver’s Marshall Pool had been in operation for almost 50 years and was one of the oldest aquatic facilities in Clark County, Wash. A renovation was sorely needed, and the city decided to begin a bid process to remodel the antiquated mechanical system and bring the facility into the 21st century.

The pool had seen small revisions in the past—a renovated deck, pool office, locker rooms, and an ADA-accessible ramp were added in 2000. A drop-slide added a new fun feature in 2007. Still, the pool had largely remained as it was when the Marshall Community Center opened in 1965.

Overcoming Obstacles

Vancouver Parks and Recreation Department staff decided to focus the redesign on the pool’s mechanical, circulation, and filtration systems.