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1. Why did the Lee and Lively Parks Pools close?

The swimming pools were required to close spring of 2020 due to Dallas County’s Safter at Home order that mandated all non-essential operations cease activities to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

2. Why did the pools not re-open in 2021?

In February 2021, Winter Storm Uri impacted Texas, and temperatures did not rise above freezing for three days in a row. The weather conditions caused several plumbing fixtures and pipes to burst at Lee Park Pool, making the facility inoperable. 

In early 2021 into 2022, there was a national lifeguard shortage that impacted recruitment of seasonal staff. The city did not have enough lifeguards to reopen Lively Pool.

3. What is the current condition of the swimming pools?

In early 2022, the City of Irving contracted with a third-party to assess the state of Lee and Lively Parks Pools. The assessment highlighted several facility issues that included the following: 

• Neither pool has the appropriate filtration system for the baby pools nor required secondary water sanitation systems. 
• Both facilities have ADA compliance issues due to the sloping into the baby pool areas and deck clearance space. 
• Both pools are losing a substantial amount of water, with Lively Pool losing 6,000 to 9,000 gallons per day and Lee Park Pool losing 3,500 to 7,000 gallons per day.

4. Were there repair estimates for the facilities in the swimming pool assessment?

Yes, to address all issues and become fully operational would cost between $5.3 to $6.1 million for both facilities.

5. Can I find a copy of the assessment online?

View the 2022 Lee and Lively Parks Pools Assessment Report.

6. Did the Parks and Recreation Master Plan in 2019 address the traditional seasonal pools?

Yes, the 2019 Parks and Recreation Master Plan highlighted the age, operational challenges and poor attendance of the traditional seasonal pools. A recommendation was made to explore moving away from the traditional swimming pool model to more modern aquatic amenities. 

View the Master Plan.

7. What are the future plans for the sites?

The Parks and Recreation Department is commissioning a third-party feasibility study to identify current recreation and aquatic trends that might be applicable to future projects in Irving. 

This study will solicit community input and provide options for future consideration. Funding will have to be secured prior to the approval of any future development at the sites. 

8. Are there other swimming pools close to the Lee and Lively Park?

Yes, both facilities have a pool within a 3-mile radius: 

• North Lake Natatorium is 2.9 miles from Lee Pool. 
• Lively Pool has Senter Park Pool and the Heritage Aquatic Center both 1.8 miles away.