Grand Junction’s Orchard Mesa Pool Could Get a New Lease on Life

Grand Junction families have been learning to swim in the Orchard Mesa Pool for over 40 years. With the opening of the new Grand Junction Recreation Center, some say the facility has reached the end of its useful life.

The city’s agreement with Mesa County Valley School District 51 runs through Dec. 31. With the clock running, Grand Junction sought feedback from the community as part of this summer’s Community Satisfaction Survey. Here’s a look at what people had to say.

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An Aging Pool and an Expiring Agreement

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Orchard Mesa Pool opened in 1983. A city-commissioned study says its major systems—including filtration, HVAC, mechanical, and electrical systems are at the end of their useful lives. District 51 actually owns the land and the building, but they ended their pool partnership with the city in 2024. Current agreements for the pool and the property expire at the end of this year. City Council has been exploring options ranging from continued operation to a public-private partnership. See the notes and a recording of the August 3 City Council Workshop here.

The Pool Remains a Community Priority

According to the Community Satisfaction Survey, Grand Junction says the Orchard Mesa Pool is ranked among the top three Parks and Recreation Priorities. Questions about the facility were made a priority so the council could consider the feedback in future funding. More than 5,400 randomly selected households received a survey in the mail; the rest of the community took the survey online.

Residents Like the Pool. Paying for It Is Different

Grand Junction Faces a Big Decision on Orchard Mesa Pool

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It seems like soaring costs surround keeping the pool open. Residents love the idea of having the Orchard Mesa Pool, but figuring out how to pay for it draws less enthusiasm. Residents are divided over using taxes or debt to fund the pool, but seem to be in favor of placing the matter up for a vote in November. Finding operating costs isn’t the only challenge; the city says the building needs major system replacement. Dive into the city’s Orchard Mesa Final Report here.