Denver's Aztlan Outdoor Pool in the Sunnyside neighborhood is closed indefinitely after city inspectors found it was losing more than 16,000 gallons of water per day. Parks officials say the facility now needs a full replacement instead of a repair, and crews have drained the basin while engineers evaluate what comes next.
Why the pool shut down
City crews discovered the leak during routine preseason maintenance and closed the pool while staff assessed the damage. Workers estimated the facility was losing more than 16,000 gallons of water each day, and Denver Parks & Recreation said structural issues prevent the pool from operating safely. The closure and the magnitude of the water loss were reported by CBS News Colorado.
Funding and timeline
Local bond materials list an Aztlan Pool replacement as a funded project, with roughly $15 million identified for rebuilding the facility in the Vibrant Denver bond package. Move Colorado materials show Aztlan on the bond project list. City officials say they are working to scope delivery options and are looking for ways to accelerate the project timeline as they finalize design and procurement, a move detailed in recent local coverage.
Neighbors say the pool is a lifeline
For Sunnyside families, the outdoor pool is more than an amenity - it is where kids learn to swim and where neighbors gather on hot afternoons. "There's a lot of kids in the neighborhood that enjoy the pool," said Donald Garcia, and parents told reporters their children were disappointed to find the pool closed for the season. Community reactions and resident interviews were documented by CBS News Colorado.
Where to swim and how to stay informed
The city operates a network of indoor and outdoor pools, although alternatives may require a bus ride or drive for some Sunnyside residents. For current hours, nearest locations, and program details visit Denver Parks & Recreation, and see the city's Vibrant Denver bond page for project listings and updates at City and County of Denver.
Officials have not released a firm construction start date, but with bond funding in place, the department says Aztlan is now a funded priority and that it will share timelines and community outreach plans as design work progresses.
