An anonymous donor has contributed $25,000 to cover the cost of Phase 1 renovations at Clemens Community Pool, Susan Halliday, school superintendent, announced at Thursday’s School Board meeting.
The contribution will allow the district to move forward with critical infrastructure improvements without closing the facility during the first phase of work.
“We have broken the plan into two parts and thanks to Ryan’s help, we’ve secured funding to be able to take care of Phase 1,” Halliday said, acknowledging School Board member Ryan Cheeke for his role in securing the donation while keeping the source confidential.
Phase 1 work includes replacing the pool’s filter system and all plumbing to filters to address multiple leaks and malfunctioning valves. The upgrade will significantly reduce annual filter replacement costs from $5,633 to $1,054. The project also includes removing safety grates, which will no longer be needed when new filters are placed in a different location, and replacing the chemical controller system, an automated device that monitors and maintains the pool’s proper chemical balance.
The filter system replacement and safety grate removal carries an estimated cost of $15,000 to $18,000, while the chemical controller system will run approximately $4,000.
“All we’re waiting on right now is the final quote and timeline for the proposed Phase 1,” Halliday said. “It’s not something that requires — because of its amount — a full bid and getting multiple bids from people to be able to do that.”
The superintendent said the district has reached out to other organizations for additional funding support.
With Phase 1 funding secured, district officials are now waiting on final quotes and a timeline for the proposed work. They are also seeking information about how much longer the improvements will extend the pool’s operational life and are obtaining updated cost estimates for Phase 2.
Phase 2 of the renovation project, which will require a pool closure for a stretch that is estimated to occur next summer, will go out for formal bid. That phase includes replacing fire sprinkler pipes with galvanized materials to slow rust, replacing stainless steel gutters and repairing the gutter box around the pool deck, installing a new pool liner, adding durable, water-resistant flooring around the pool perimeter and in locker rooms, and increasing exhaust capacity below the pool with HVAC unit replacement.
A 2021 estimate showed a $260,000 price tag for the gutters, pool lining and flooring, but school officials plan to update that figure with current figures.
Board Chair Tom Klipfel praised the progress on the project, calling it “truly outstanding” given previous discussions about the pool’s needs. He commended the efforts of Cheeke and Joey DiGiovannangelo, the district’s facilities director.
Klipfel, who uses the pool himself, noted increased usage since the Osborn Aquatic Center in Corvallis closed in 2024 after rust and corrosion were found in steel roof support beams.
“I was a swimmer growing up in high school and college and so I’m excited to get back in the pool,” Klipfel said. “I’m retired, finding a little of a more steady pace and that pool is crowded. I’m sure that has everything to do with the Corvallis pool being closed down but I used to have a lane to myself almost any time and now I’m often squeezing in with two or three people, and so that’s a great sign for sure.”
Halliday said she has had conversations with Corvallis School District officials about the pool situation.
“We’re moving ahead with our own so they know there’s no secrets that say we’re going to compete with Osborn or something else like that — that’s not in the cards,” Halliday said. “It’s just been great to be wide open with the conversations and have everybody on the same page and understand it.”
The Philomath pool, which opened in 1960, serves not only Philomath High School but also community members, lap swimmers and exercise groups from throughout the region.
