Bend Park and Recreation District is moving forward with plans to replace the existing “tent” structure for Juniper Swim and Fitness Center’s 50-meter Olympic pool with a more permanent retractable pool cover structure.
What is wrong with the current structure?
The existing 50-meter pool enclosure is deteriorating and nearing the end of its expected life and would require significant renovations and investments to extend its life. Even with extensive work, it is unlikely that the roof panels could be removed for the summer months.
What is the proposed pool cover structure?
The proposed pool cover structure would have the same footprint as the existing structure. The structure will consist of an aluminum frame with retractable polycarbonate roof panels, glass walls and nearly continuous operable side openings providing abundant options for an open-air environment and year-round natural light. Used globally, the structure design and materials perform to high industry standards for commercial pool operations, perform well in a variety of climates and offer decades of reliable use.

Exterior example of pool enclosure structure
Will the proposed structure open to the outdoors? How?
The proposed retractable enclosure will allow for over 50% opening to the outdoors and can be adjusted in minutes depending on weather conditions. The retractable roof panels will provide year-round options for both direct and filtered sunlight for pool users. The enclosure will also greatly enhance the indoor environment by providing abundant natural light, outdoor views, and improved air quality and acoustics while reducing energy consumption and long-term maintenance costs.
Approximately 40% of the roof area and over 75% of perimeter walls can open to the outdoors. Roof and wall openings can be easily adjusted in minutes to respond to outdoor conditions. This will also allow the pool to be open to the outdoors during nicer weather even during the non-summer months. It also makes it possible to have a heated environment during cold mornings and evenings while opening to the outdoors during the warmer daytime hours and permit the pool to operate uninterrupted during times of poor air-quality and thunderstorms.

Interior example of pool enclosure structure
How do the retractable roof panels operate?
The polycarbonate roof panels operate on motors and can be opened and adjusted in minutes through controls. The panels retract down from the peak leaving the middle 50% of the roof open to sunlight and fresh air. The system has proven highly reliable in hundreds of structures and various climates. The sides include a combination of motor-operated “garage-style doors,” folding accordion doors and sliding doors. Extensive reference checks were conducted by district leadership to verify the reliability of the systems.

Exterior conceptual drawing of enclosure roof and walls open
How was the decision for the pool cover structure made?
The decision was informed by patron input, especially from feedback received from a user survey conducted in fall 2024. The survey confirmed that users highly valued an open-air environment during the summer months, and also valued protection from the sun and other elements. The survey also showed interest in a solution that would provide more flexibility, improved indoor conditions and protection against smoke and inclement weather events. The district also considered energy efficiency, operational feasibility and long-term maintenance costs in the decision.

Interior conceptual drawing of enclosure roof and walls open
How will the pool cover project be funded?
The district is planning to fund the pool cover project through a loan that will be re-paid through the district’s general fund. No new or increased taxes will be required. This is how the majority of the 2006 Juniper expansion project was funded and that loan will be paid off this year. Preliminary estimates for the project are $7-$8 million including several other previously determined large facility maintenance projects planned for the same time.
When will the pool cover project take place?
The earliest the project will start is September 2026. If the project is not ready to start then, it will be delayed until September 2027. Why September? To not impact the busy summer season but still take advantage of good construction weather.
Does the 50-meter pool need to be closed for the project? How long?
It is too early to determine but we expect a pool closure of approximately six months. The rest of the facility, including Juniper’s indoor pools, will remain open throughout construction.
How will users be accommodated during the 50-meter pool closure?
We plan to modify the indoor pools’ schedules at Juniper and Larkspur Community Center considerably to primarily accommodate lap swimmers, swim teams and water polo teams who typically use the 50-meter pool. Swim lessons and recreation swims will take place at Larkspur Community Center and the Juniper children’s pool during this period. There will be impacts to fitness and competitive users, and we are committed to doing the best we can to reduce these impacts and are confident the long-term benefits will well outweigh the temporary hardships.
What are the next steps?
The district will be issuing a request for proposals to hire a design-build team to plan and construct the project. Once a contractor is selected, the design for the enclosure will be finalized and the cost and likely construction timeline will be established. We hope to have these steps complete by fall 2025 so we can determine if it is feasible to move forward with construction in September 2026.
How can I stay informed and involved?
Look for regular updates in BPRD Fitness & Swim Newsletters and here on this webpage. You can sign up for the newsletters on the Newsletters webpage.