Residents of Lisbon, Ohio, have been informed that the Sadie Van Fossan Pool will not open for the 2026 summer season due to significant infrastructure issues requiring major repairs.
Mayor Pete Wilson shared the update in a public statement, explaining that two critical problems have made it impossible to safely operate the facility this year. The most urgent concern involves the pool’s filtration system, including the main pump, which requires full replacement. The estimated cost for this upgrade stands at approximately 100,000 dollars.
In addition to the filtration failure, the pool structure is experiencing leaks caused erosion and deterioration of the concrete. These structural issues have raised concerns about long term integrity and water retention, further complicating the reopening timeline.
According to the mayor, a professional consultant will be brought in to conduct a detailed assessment and provide technical recommendations on how to proceed. However, the evaluation has been delayed due to ongoing winter weather conditions, which have prevented a full inspection of the site.
Mayor Wilson noted that the current situation is largely attributed to the age of the facility. The original pool was constructed in 1956 with support from a grant provided Sadie Van Fossan and a local swimming pool levy approved residents. The deep end was later added in 1979, expanding the recreational capacity of the community pool.
With the structure now more than six decades old, the mayor described the maintenance challenges as consistent with what many aging public pools across the county are experiencing. Older mechanical systems and concrete basins often require extensive modernization to meet current safety and operational standards.
Village officials are reviewing funding options to address the repairs while protecting Lisbon’s municipal budget. Wilson stated that several grants included in the current Ohio state capital budget may be applicable to cover a substantial portion of the repair costs. Local authorities are expected to explore those opportunities in coordination with state agencies.
The closure means residents will need to seek alternative recreational options during the upcoming summer season. The pool has historically served as a central gathering place for families and youth programs, making the announcement particularly impactful for the small community.
Village leadership has committed to providing updates as the assessment process advances and funding pathways become clearer. For now, the focus remains on securing the financial resources necessary to restore the facility and ensure it can operate safely in future seasons.
