The Menasha Pool will close for 2026 due to unsafe conditions that require repairs. Menasha will build a new pool at Jefferson Park. Oct. 20, 2025. PC: Fox 11 Online
MENASHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Menasha Pool at Jefferson Park is now closed for good.
“It’s unfortunate we’ve come to this point where there are no more economically responsible fixes that make sense in the short term,” said Menasha Mayor Austin Hammond.
The city is already in the design phase for a new pool, so it didn’t want to invest into an almost 70-year-old pool that would close shortly and require numerous repairs.
The city said the Menasha Pool needs the following repairs to safely reopen (with cost estimates):
- Boiler replacement, piping and installation: $175,000-$225,000
- Pump house roof replacement: $25,000
- Electrical repairs due to water damage: $50,000
- Plumbing repairs: $20,000
- Paint removal and surface repainting: $10,000
- Pool house roof repairs: $145,000
- Deck removal to access roof structures: $35,000
- Total: $300,000-$500,000
“Knowing that we’re on a very short timeline to replace that pool, [we] didn’t feel it was wise to invest that money,” said Menasha Parks Director Megan Sackett.
Last year, the city approved funds to enter the design phase of the pool. The city is currently accepting requests for proposals, which are due by Oct. 27.
City council will need to approve $4 million this year and next as part of the city’s full budget. The catch, as usual: that money would come from taxpayers, with a final $4 million from donations or grants. The project will be $10-15 million, all ballpark numbers.
If approved, the goal is to break ground late in 2026 and open the pool in 2027. Like the current pool, it would allow for lap swimming, lessons and open swim. Beyond that, plans are still up in the air.
Out with the old, and eventually in with the new. It’s a bittersweet day for a Menasha staple.
“With it being built back in 1959, it really has lived its best life,” said Sackett.
“This pool has served our community well for many, many decades,” added Hammond.
In the meantime, Menasha residents can still get in-city rates at Neenah’s and Appleton’s pools, or residents can swim at Menasha’s municipal beach.
The pool is the final major part of the Jefferson Park redevelopment plan. The city has built a new playground, pavilion and soon will open a new boat launch on Lake Winnebago.
Comments