Even though the grand opening of the Bethel swimming pool was held as planned last Saturday, the pool was shut down immediately after. City manager Pete Williams cited concerns with the sprinkler system at the Kuimarvik  facility. The term Kuimarvik is Yup’ik for “A place to swim.”

The city is concerned that there is inadequate pressure to operate the sprinkler system. Officials say that there is adequate pressure outside of the building, but inside, there may be pressure problems.

Groundbreaking for the facility took place in the early summer of 2013. The pool facility was funded by years of bake sales as well as a $23 million state appropriation in 2012.

Outside consultants are being contacted in an effort to fix the system and reopen the swimming facility.

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