With spa jets revving and current channel circulating, Sheldon Poo l & Fitness Center reopened its doors on September 26, 2022, to the Eugene community. Beginning at 11:30 a.m. , bathers could enjoy the recently constructed hot tub on the east side of the pool deck. At 2 p.m. , patrons of all ages could enter the brand-new, 4,980 square-foot, warm-water pool located on the expanded southeast end of the facility.
The new current channel offers a unique swimming and exercise experience.
Complete with a current channel, spraying water features, colorful tile details and outdoor access to a lawn and sitting area, the warm-water pool (also known as a natatorium) has offerings for all. Not only was it built for young children and families, but with aqua therapy and water aerobics users in mind, a feature that has been absent in the community since the closure of Tamarack Pool in July 2020, located in South Eugene.
“I came to exercise my leg,” said Ibrahim Muhawi, who used to go to Tamarack Pool. “I like the warm water and I think it’s beautiful here — it’s like a park.”
Muhawi performs in-water exercises for his leg using the pool deck to steady himself.
Daniel Berg, another Eugene resident, was circling the current channel at a quick pace as soon as the pool opened.
“I knew the remodel had been going on for a year and a half, I wanted to come and check it out and see what it was like,” Berg said. “I knew there was going to be a current channel in here and I do aqua jogging and aqua walking — it’s good exercise.”
Sheldon Pool, which closed in Spring 2021 for the expansion and renovation, was originally scheduled to open one year later in Spring 2022. After facing supply chain issues, staff shortages and other delays, the completion was deferred until late September. Pool hours remain limited for now due to ongoing staff shortages, particularly among lifeguards.
“We’ve been waiting for so long, it’s great that it’s open,” said Mandi Vance, a resident of the Sheldon community who was swimming with her two young daughters. “This is our favorite pool.”
Vance enjoys the warm-water pool with daughters Anna and Ellie.
The $10.1 million renovation of the pool was made possible by funding from a Parks and Recreation Bond measure passed by Eugene voters in May 2018. The measure also allowed for the renovation of the Celeste Campbell Community Center and the expansion of Echo Hollow Pool & Fitness Center.
In addition to the hot tub and natatorium, the updated facility features renovated locker rooms, expanded HVAC and pool systems, more patron parking, solar panels on the roof and an efficient electric heat pump system. The upgrades were designed to meet a LEED Silver goal, meaning the facility has lower carbon emissions, increased efficiency, and overall works to ensure climate consciousness in the areas of water, carbon, waste, materials and indoor air quality.
Some patrons have seen the transformation of the pool firsthand throughout many of its 55 years of establishment and continue to be dedicated users.
“I used to bring my kids here — who are now 33 and older — when they were little, for their birthday parties and stuff,” Nancy Berge said. “So, when I saw it was opening, I wanted to come see and participate. The current channel is one of my favorite features now.”
Berge enters the current channel near the waterfall feature.
Sheldon Pool plans to hold a grand opening in November to celebrate the new additions. In the meantime, view our interim pool hours.