PP&R Moves Forward With Critical Repairs at Southwest Community Center Pool

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(Portland, Oregon) -

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) will temporarily close the pool at Southwest Community Center for approximately two months this fall to complete critical repairs to the pool's roof structure.

The pool's annual maintenance closure will begin September 5, 2026, and PP&R anticipates the pool will reopen in time for November swim lessons and other activities. October programming, fall swim lessons and other pool activities will not take place during the extended closure.

PP&R recognizes the significant impact this temporary closure will have on swimmers, families, program participants and others who rely on the Southwest Community Center pool. The closure is necessary to allow repair work to be completed safely and address the condition of the pool's roof structure.

Identifying and addressing the problem:

In March 2026, PP&R staff identified notable corrosion at the bases of roof support columns above the pool, along with multiple roof leaks.

The bureau quickly engaged structural engineers and roofing consultants to assess the condition of the roof supports, determine the extent of the corrosion and leaks, and to identify the repairs needed. The assessments are guiding the repair strategy and helping PP&R plan the work before the condition of the structure becomes a more significant operational or safety concern.

In August, PP&R Interim Director Art Pearce approved the reallocation of funding and staff capacity needed to move the pool roof repair forward.

"We understand that closing the pool for this long will affect a lot of people who depend on it for recreation, exercise and programs," said Pearce. "At the same time, we have an opportunity to address the issue we identified and complete the necessary work while the pool is already scheduled for its annual maintenance closure. Our goal is to get the repairs done safely and get the pool back in service as quickly as we can."

What happens next:

Repair work will be guided by structural engineering and roofing assessments. PP&R anticipates that the pool will reopen for November swim lessons and other activities, although the schedule may change as design, procurement and construction work progresses.

PP&R will provide updates as the project advances and more information about the construction schedule becomes available.

Maintaining Portland's park system

The Southwest Community Center pool is one of many aging assets that PP&R maintains across Portland. The bureau currently has approximately $759 million in identified major maintenance needs across its portfolio.

PP&R regularly evaluates maintenance needs and prioritizes work based on factors such as safety, the condition of an asset, impacts on services and available resources.

Moving forward with the Southwest pool repairs means some other planned maintenance work may need to be deferred, including things like repairs to park infrastructure, building systems, paths, utilities and recreational amenities. PP&R will continue to evaluate those needs as resources become available.

More information about PP&R's capital maintenance needs and funding sources is available at portland.gov/parks/funding-sources.

PP&R appreciates the patience and understanding of Southwest Community Center visitors and the broader community during the temporary pool closure and will provide updates as the repair project progresses.

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