Aquatic Center to get new roof; closure begins August 1

The Tualatin Hills Aquatic Center, the largest of the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District’s eight swimming pools, will close on Monday, Aug. 1, so that the facility’s roof and structural roof deck can be replaced. Work is expected to be completed at the end of November.

The scheduled maintenance project, funded with capital replacement dollars, will yield a more energy-efficient facility when the pool reopens in early December.

“We’re taking off the roof and putting on a whole new roof with four inches of insulation instead of one inch,” said Peter Foster, project manager. “We’re also installing digital controls in the HVAC (heating/ventilating/air conditioning) system to increase air quality and energy efficiency.”

THPRD and 2KG Contractors have worked with Energy Trust of Oregon to make these energy-efficient design choices. The district has already been awarded a $17,000 credit for the additional insulation and air barriers; other credits could be forthcoming.

“Energy Trust is currently studying the impact of a change to the HVAC fan motors,” Foster said. “Putting variable speed motors on the fans would allow us to slow down air movement at night for additional energy savings.”

Foster said the roof and structural roof deck will be removed from the building, which opened in 1978. Any rusted joists will be replaced, and the new roof will be installed.

Parking availability at the Howard M. Terpenning Recreation Complex will be affected by this project. An extensive portion of Lot B (west of the facility and parallel to SW 158th Ave.) will be utilized by construction crews for its duration.

During the closure, Aquatic Center patrons are encouraged to use THPRD’s Sunset Swim Center (pictured), located at 13707 NW Science Park Dr., next to Sunset High School. Additionally, the district’s two outdoor pools – Somerset West Swim Center (18300 NW Parkview Blvd.) and Raleigh Swim Center (3500 SW 78th Avenue) – will remain open this fall; both outdoor pools typically close after Labor Day weekend.

The Tualatin Hills Aquatic Center remains open through this weekend. Guests are invited to enjoy a free open swim on Saturday, July 30 (1:30-3:30 pm and 4-6 pm) during the district’s annual Party in the Park event.

About THPRD
Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning 50 square miles and serving about 240,000 residents in the greater Beaverton area. The district provides year-round recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Offerings include thousands of widely diverse classes, 95 park sites with active recreational amenities, nearly 70 miles of trails, eight swim centers, six recreation centers, and about 1,500 acres of natural areas. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503-645-6433.