Work along the backside of the Bridgeport City Pool isn’t the only thing taking place during some of the recent cold weather. Another project is taking place and a contractor has already braved some of the elements to get a start.

 

Earlier this month, Neel’s Fencing started a near $10,000 project at Bridgeport City Pool that will provide more space for those who come to the pool, which during peak summer days can often become crowded. The pool will expand its fenced in area back near the baby pool and shallow area to provide additional space and the work has started to make sure everything is ready well ahead of the first whistle being blown at the pool. The new fence line will be near the sidewalk that runs parallel with Main Street and directly beside the pool.

 

“They have taken down the old fence in the section by the baby pool (and facing U.S. Route 50) and are in the process of diggings holes to put in the posts to put some of the old fence back up in a different location,” said Burton. “There is also some new fencing that is part of the project.”

 

The new fencing primarily includes two parts. One is a 10-foot gate and the other is what Burton said is a manned gate, which is standard.

 

“That will allow us to get in and out of the facility for maintenance purposes and to also continue to be able to bring it items we need for things like the dive-in movie,” said Burton.

 

Work has slowed since the major temperature drop, but Burton said the area is secure He said the orange fence in place is for precaution.

 

“This should be a two-week project, but the weather has to be better than what it’s been,” said Burton. “With a little bit of a break, they should be able to know it down quickly.”

 

Once Neel’s Fencing is finished, the city’s Parks and Recreation staff will come in behind and finish up the work. The crew will raise the drainage inlet and level things out with new topsoil.

“We actually took out a tree (earlier this week) to help make way for vehicles to access the area when it’s finished,” said Burton. “We’ll also be removing the shrubbery. It is the original shrubbery dating back I believe to the 1980s.”

 

Once finished, it will be additional “beach area,” as Burton described it. He said space has been an issue, particularly on the hottest days of summer, for a number of years.

 

The actual cost of the project was $9,325. The new fence is listed as “Ameristar Montage” style.

  

Burton said more than a dozen new lounge chairs have been purchased to help fill the space. He also said a rotation to replace older ones is in place as well.

 

“We’ve been trying to replace them occasionally as they get normal wear and tear and then you often see kids walking on them and jumping up and down on them, which they’re not made for,” said Burton previously.

 

Much of the actual fencing work and installation was completed as of yesterday.

Editor's Note: Workers with Neel's Fence work prior to the recent surge of snow and sub-freezing temperatures.