Countless cannonballs, vital swimming lessons, and 93 years of recreation have dried up at Columbia Indoor Pool. The distinctive dome-shaped facility initially closed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but after years of deliberations and inspections, the structure’s diminishing integrity was deemed to pose life-safety hazards and its doors will stay shut.
But that doesn’t mean North Portland will be left in the deep end forever. Portland Parks Commissioner Carmen Rubio said, “I’ve directed Portland Parks & Recreation to plan a new, full-service aquatics center for North Portland, and I will continue to explore funding options for it in addition to the more than $31 million in city and state funds already secured.”
In the meantime, City Council approved $1.5 million to ensure those impacted by this closure can access other pools.