CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The City of Clarksville permanently closed Bel-Aire Pool last month because of findings in a geological report, which included a void beneath the pool.
The city originally brought in consultants, ECS Southeast, to investigate and conduct research, because workers at Bel-Aire Pool became worried that the pool had been leaking, according to city spokesperson Ryan Sample.
ECS utilized a number of research techniques during their investigation and found the following.
ECS findings
The terrain in Montgomery county is “karst” terrain, which is susceptible to sinkhole development. “The high frequency of sinkholes in the Clarksville area, and similar karst regions, is the result of variable solubility of the massive limestone bedrock in water,” the ECS report said.
“Water sources are normally two-fold: that which infiltrates into the subsurface unit as a result of normal precipitation; and periodic fluctuation of the moving ground water along joints and bedding planes in the rock. This ‘solution weathering’ can result in the formation of frequently large cavities along bedding planes and joints in the rock.”
ECS said large cavities take thousands of years to fully develop, but when the void becomes large enough, extends to the ground surface, or stress changes occur, the top layer of soil collapses, creating a sinkhole or surface depression.
Leak in Bel-Aire Pool
ECS found that Bel-Aire Pool had been leaking in the southwest corner and was draining through the active karst feature.
With the safety of the public in mind, the City of Clarksville decided that Bel-Aire Pool posed a risk to the community, and officials decided to permanently close the pool.
However, ECS did provide a solution if the city wanted the pool to stay open. The report recommended “grout capping and soil densification in an effort to improve the subsurface soils below and the surrounding karst feature.”
Attempts have been made over the years to repair and improve the pool.
In 2015, Clarksville Parks & Recreation Department kept the pool closed for the summer because of major structural and mechanical issues, according to Leaf-Chronicle archives. Amid debate about the city budget later that summer, a planned $24,000 for repairs to the pool was removed from the budget.
In 2022, renovations to the pool were part of the city budget.
Clarksville Now has reached out to the city on whether those repairs and renovations were completed.
What’s next
Jennifer Letourneau, director of Clarksville Parks and Recreation, said she understands the disappointment that comes with the closure of Bel-Aire Pool, but safety is their utmost priority. She added that her department will continue to enhance the recreational opportunities available to residents.
Clarksville Parks and Recreation has yet to decide what to do with the future of Bel-Aire Park. The department has mentioned four options, which includes a skate park, outdoor pickleball courts, an enhanced playground or an athletic field.
To give your input on the recreational opportunities that could be placed in Clarksville, click here.