Opp’s Mizell Memorial Hospital Wellness Center has closed its indoor pool indefinitely, citing a need for expensive repairs just 10 years after the heating system was installed.

“It’s been determined that the heat exchange system is beyond repair and will require a minimum $250K investment to replace,” Mizell CEO Jana Wyatt said. “We’ve not ruled out replacing the system at some point in the future but it’s just not financially feasible to do it now.”

The Mizell Wellness Center opened in its current location on Feb. 12, 2009, according to Star-News archives. The $2.7 million facility was Funded in part through a loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and funds from the Mizell Memorial Hospital Foundation, the Solon and Martha Dixon Foundation and various local business and residents.  In addition to the indoor, heated pool, which is equipped with handicap lifts, the 13,000-plus square foot building has an exercise/weight training area, a physical therapy rehab area, an education center/multipurpose room equipped with a commercial kitchen, a racquetball court; shower and wash room areas, and office space.

“We know how important the pool is, especially to those who can’t participate in other forms of exercise, and are saddened and frustrated with the situation,” Wyatt said. “We should not be replacing a major system after only 10 years.”

She said the hospital has had architects and engineers looking at it and had varying opinions about whether the problems are related to equipment or design of the system.