Pipe burst causes delayed opening of Bernard Willi Pool in Chippewa Falls

Multi-Media Journalist

CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (WKBT) -- Residents in Chippewa Falls are going to have to wait a little bit longer to use its community pool.

The pool was supposed to open on Friday, but a pipe burst is delaying it until next week.

"It's kind of sad that it's going to be delayed because of a problem with a pipe," Carol Stone says.

Stone isn't the only waiting to take a dip.

"My grandchildren are waiting to come down here and we’re too because we've had a lot of hot days."

According to parks, recreation, and forestry director John Jiminez the pipe is located under the pool and hasn't been an issue until now.

"We discovered it on Thursday, identified it on Monday and fixed it on Tuesday," Jiminez explains. "We just need to fill the pool back up, run tests to make sure the pool is functioning correctly and get her open."

The pool has a short operating season and summer heat is here.

Just like the residents, Jiminez wants the pool up and running as soon as possible. So does Michelle Lenou, who likes to get outside while the weather is warm.

"We like to spend time out there, so we don't have to be confined to a movie theater or going to a mall or some places that we have to stay inside," Lenou tells News 8 Now.

Jiminez doesn't know what caused the pipe to burst.

The pipe has been around since the pool's construction in 1991.

The pool is also experiencing staffing shortages.

Right now, they have nine out of 23 lifeguards needed for the season.

Multi-Media Journalist

Jeremy Wall joined News 8 Now in April 2023. A Montclair State University alum, Jeremy knew he wanted to work in news since he was a child. During college, he hosted, news contributed and produced 90.3 WMSC's flagship program 'The Morning Buzz', wrote for the campus newspaper The Montclarion and reported for its news magazine 'Montclair News Lab'. He also interned for 94.5 WPST and was a college associate for Fox News Radio. Although he's born and raised in New Jersey, Jeremy is no stranger to the Midwest. He started his career at KIMT News 3 where he covered everything from MnDot, RPS, Mayo Clinic and the Covid-19 pandemic. After working at KIMT News 3 for two years, Jeremy briefly worked in Richmond at WRIC-TV before returning to the Midwest to join the News 8 Now family. When he's not working, Jeremy enjoys reading, writing, biking, traveling, working out, watching superhero and late night talk shows and spending time with his family and friends.

June 9, 2023 @ 5:16 am