WeHa Wetlands Board OK's New Pool Project At Park

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Plans to build a new pool and poolhouse at Eisenhower Park may be on hold due to cost issues, but when those plans are resurrected, they will have the necessary wetlands board approval.

The West Hartford Plan & Zoning Commission last week voted 4-0 with one abstention to support the Town of West Hartford's inland wetlands and watercourses permit to do the work at the 33 Sheep Hill Drive park.

In West Hartford, the town's PZC operates as the West Hartford Inland Wetland and Watercourse Agency as well, ruling on land-use matters as they relate to wetlands, which are on site at the park.

Eisenhower has an aging pool facility, built in the mid-1960s, and it was closed due to structure issues and leaking in 2021 and 2022.

Stopgap repairs allowed the pool facility to reopen this summer, but the town still hopes to replace it permanently.

In early 2022, the West Hartford Town Council appropriated about $2.5 million for the project, but bids came in nearly double that, prompting local officials to re-assess the proposal later in the year.

According to West Hartford plans, the town will demolish the existing pool, build a new in-ground pool, remodel the existing pool house, improve the area's handicap accessibility and conduct the necessary landscaping in that area of the park.

Because work is within 150 feet of land deemed to be "wetlands," work there requires West Hartford PZC/IWWA approval, which was granted Sept. 6.

According to the PZC/IWWA's decision, the work will not negatively impact the watercourses on site to justify permit denial.

In addition, the purpose of the project — a modern, renovated pool — is a "valid and useful one" in the eyes of the commission.

The permit is valid for five years, meaning the town has half a decade to finish the project without having to go back to the PZC/IWWA again.

For the minutes of the Sept. 6 West Hartford Plan and Zoning Commission/Inland Wetlands and Watercourse Agency, click on this link.

For more information on Eisenhower Park, click on this link.

For more information on the West Hartford Leisure Services Department, click on this link.