Landon Lightfoot jumps into the Nikiski pool during a training scenario, June 30, 2014, at the Nikiski Pool, in Nikiski, Alaska. (Photo by Kelly Sullivan/ Peninsula Clarion)

Landon Lightfoot jumps into the Nikiski pool during a training scenario, June 30, 2014, at the Nikiski Pool, in Nikiski, Alaska. (Photo by Kelly Sullivan/ Peninsula Clarion)

Nikiski Pool to open sooner than expected

Swimmers are able to get back into the Nikiski Pool earlier than expected. The pool officially opened on Wednesday morning, Nigel LaRiccia, the pool supervisor, said. The North Peninsula Recreation Service Area began construction on their new septic system last week.

The price for the new septic system is now almost twice as much as was previously expected. The estimated cost has risen from $50,000 to $90,000.

“When this ordinance was introduced to the assembly on Oct. 9, 2018, it was anticipated that the North Peninsula Recreation Service Area (NPRSA) would be replacing the Nikiski Pool septic system with a system comparable to the existing system. However, the Alaska Department of Conservation (ADEC) based on calculations from domestic water consumption at the Nikiski Pool, is requiring the tank and trench leach field be significantly larger for capacity,” Finance Director Brandi Harbaugh and Service Area Recreation Director Rachel Parra wrote in an Oct. 23 memo to the Borough Assembly.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

“Additionally, ADEC is requiring a nitrate test of the soils adjacent to the leach field,” the memo states. “The $50,000 to be appropriated will not be sufficient to complete this project. The total estimated cost of this project has increased to $90,000.”

At Tuesday’s Borough Assembly meeting, an ordinance appropriating funds for the new system was amended to reflect the increased cost of the project.

The pool’s septic system replacement will be completed in two phases, as both the tank and the leach field require replacement, according to the service area’s Facebook page.

The pool is back open and is operating on their winter hours.

More in News

Pool manager and swim coach Will Hubler leads a treading water exercise at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Swimmers, parents call on Kenai to support Kenai Central pool

The KPBSD Board of Education last week said communities will need to step up and take over administration of pools within the next year.

Traffic passes by South Spruce Street in Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai drops effort to rename South Spruce Street

The resolution would have changed the name to make it clear which road led to North Kenai Beach

Gov. Mike Dunleavy compares Alaska to Mississippi data on poverty, per-pupil education spending, and the 2024 National Assessment of Education Progress fourth grade reading scores during a press conference on Jan. 31, 2025. Alaska is highlighted in yellow, while Mississippi is in red. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Dunleavy calls special session for August

Lawmakers on Wednesday said they were surprised by the move.

A makeshift coffin decrying the risks of Medicaid funding cuts is seen on Thursday, June 26, in front of the Blazy Mall in Soldotna. The cuts were included in legislation passed by the U.S. Senate early Tuesday morning. (Photo by Jonas Oyoumick/Peninsula Clarion)
Ahead of Senate vote, Soldotna protesters defend Medicaid funding

Cuts to the program were included in legislation passed by the U.S. Senate early Tuesday morning.

Board President Zen Kelly speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District’s Board of Education in Soldotna, Alaska, on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai Peninsula Borough school board to finalize budget

The new budget designed by the committee will be considered at a public hearing during the full board meeting on Monday evening.

The Russian River Sanctuary Area is seen in the area labeled B in this map provided by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. (courtesy)
Strong sockeye run prompts early open of Russian River Sanctuary

In regulation, the confluence is expected to be open from July 15 to Aug. 20.

The Swan Lake Fire can be seen from above on Monday, Aug. 26 on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. (Photo courtesy Alaska Wildland Fire Information)
Burn suspension lifted for Kenai Peninsula and Kodiak

The public is asked to remain vigilant while burning due to minimal available resources.

Commanding Officer Corey Engel, Rear Adm. Megan Dean, and former ASPEN Commanding Officer Shea Winterberger smile for a photograph during the Change of Command ceremony on Thursday, June 26, 2025, on the Homer Spit in Homer, Alaska. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)
USCG ASPEN changes command

Commanding Officer Corey Engel will be in charge of the cutter’s operations and crew.

Volunteers repair the trails at Erik Hansen Scout Park in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Volunteers revitalize Kenai scout park

Kenai’s Erik Hansen Scout Park overlooks the mouth of the Kenai River in Old Town.

Most Read