WEIRTON — Structural repairs to the south wall of the Millsop Community Center continue, with officials hoping to see the reopening of the facility’s indoor swimming pool by the middle of October.

The third, and final, phase of repairs to the south wall of the community center began earlier this year, with crews from Grae-Con Construction removing portions of the façade and other portions of the wall in an effort to stabilize that area of the facility.

The work also included the replacement of the ceiling in the area of the swimming pool, which has necessitated the pool’s closure in recent months.

“We’re trying to power through this difficult spot,” explained Parks Executive Director Coty Shingle, acknowledging the closure of the pool has resulted in some decreases in activity at the center.

Shingle reported during Thursday’s meeting of the Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation that work has been progressing steadily, even with new issues being discovered during construction, but said current estimates are for the pool to be reopened to center patrons and guests by approximately Oct. 15.

Parks officials first discussed the south wall project in 2018, with actual work not beginning until 2021, noting issues with the façade and masonry resulting in portions of the wall coming apart from the structure. In addition to the wall repair itself, and the ceiling replacement in the pool area, a roof-top air unit, designed to reduce the humidity in the building, also has been installed.

Shingle noted there have been a few delays in the project because of the delivery of certain materials, and that could still result in a timeline shift for the remainder of the project.

“You might get an estimated delivery, and they call you the day before,” Shingle said.

It is one of several projects currently under way for the Park Board.

Other work has included the construction of a new restroom facility at Marland Heights Park, with plans to replace the roofs at the park’s three shelters also set for this year, as well as the third phase of playground renovations at Starvaggi Memorial Park, which Shingle said should be taking place in the coming weeks.