In early 2021 there was a small amount of water observed dripping from the Gemini Center ceiling where the windows overlooking the leisure pool and fitness center’s walking track are located. The roof installer that worked with the City of Fairview Park (the “City”) to replace this section of roof in 2019 was contacted. As weather allowed, investigations were made. The roofing consultant from the 2019 project was also contacted and coordinated these investigations.
After removing sections of roofing / insulation and a section of the supports for the natatorium dehumidification equipment above the leisure pool, it was determined there was a mechanical malfunction of the dehumidification equipment, also referred to as PoolPak unit (the “Unit”). The condensation that the Unit was processing was not draining properly and that water was being pushed from the Unit into the roofing system. The Unit is completely enclosed and where the condensation drained and accumulated was not visible. There was no way to detect that this water was damaging the roof until this investigation uncovered the situation. The image below illustrates the investigation process and discovery of the Unit malfunction. Please click here for a PDF version of the photos below.
The water in the roofing system can cause damage to the interior ceilings and must be removed. In order to remove the water from the roofing that is under the Unit it must be removed from the roof by crane. In addition, water has entered the roofing system underneath the second Unit (above the competition pool side) and that too must be removed to correct that area.
Despite the mechanical failure of the Units, extensive water damage to the interior ceiling of the natatorium was avoided due to the quality of the roof design. However, due to the structure of both Units, their location in the elements and exposure to weather, they are underperforming. As a result, they are not cost effective to operate, not doing what they are designed to do, and are not protecting the integrity of the building. For these reasons, the Units must be replaced.
When the roof was replaced in 2019 there was a 20-year warranty that was provided. Approximately 4,000 square feet of the nearly 30,000 square foot roof needs attention. To preserve the warranties on the balance of the roof, the work to ensure there is no water in the roof system must be completed by October 31, 2021 before cold weather sets in. In order to complete the necessary repairs in a timely manner, the roof work must begin on or around September 1, 2021 at which time both pools will need to close as the Units will be removed. The staging area for the crane removing the Units will be the field behind the Gemini Center and that area will not be restored for use until after the project is completed.
During the closure, interior repairs and upgrades will be made to the venting system, walls, lighting, stairs, platforms and railings. These improvements, along with the removal and replacement of the Units and the roof repairs, are estimated to cost approximately $3 million dollars. In an effort to take advantage of the closure for planned improvements that require closure of the natatorium, there will also be an upgrade of the wave room, new play features, replacement of the interiors of the pools, and mechanical replacements.
Due to the complexity of dehumidification units and because each natatorium is different, it will take a number of months for new units to be designed, manufactured, and delivered. Once delivered, it will take about three (3) weeks for the new units to be installed. It is estimated that the installation will be done by May 31, 2022. Fairview Park City Council is currently considering legislation authorizing the design and purchase of the new units, work on the other natatorium improvements and authorization for the public bid and award of a portion of the project.
The funds that will be used to pay for these repairs will come from a number of sources, including but not limited to, available cash balances, financing through note and/or bond issuances and applying for federal grant dollars to assist with a portion of the costs. Since this is a multi-phase project there maybe multiple funding sources.
While the pools are closed, members of the Gemini Center will be able to use the indoor public recreation center pools in the Cities of Rocky River and Westlake. We greatly appreciate the assistance and consideration by Rocky River and Westlake. Additional details about the availability of those pools will be forthcoming.
All other portions of the Gemini Center will remain open during this project. The City understands the impact and inconvenience this necessary project will have on our members, the students of Fairview Park City Schools, and our many partners that use the pools. We are sorry for this development and will work on having this project completed as quickly and as diligently as possible. What is most important is that this project will ensure that the City can continue to offer high-quality recreational opportunities to the residents of the community.
Future announcements about the work at the Gemini Center and the closure will be provided as additional information is received. If you have any questions, please contact Mayor Patrick Cooney at mayor@fairviewpark.org or 440.356.4411. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work on this project.