For generations, Neptune Park’s 80-year-old swimming pool has been a cherished gathering place for families across the City of Rupert, Idaho. It has offered a summer refuge, a training ground for young swimmers, and a backdrop for countless community memories. However, like many aging public amenities, it began showing its age. Seasonal limitations, unpredictable weather, and rising maintenance needs made it increasingly difficult to maintain consistent programs. Recognizing both its historical value and potential as a year-round recreational hub, the City of Rupert embarked on a renovation project, modernizing the pool with a DynaDome retractable structure while preserving its legacy.
Retractable Structure Innovation
Central to the transformation is the DynaDome retractable structure, which blends tradition with modern engineering. The system features telescoping sections that can retract to leave the pool partially open to summer sunshine or extend fully into a 150-foot-long by 105-foot-wide climate-controlled enclosure. This flexibility transforms the seasonal pool into an all-weather, year-round community asset, protecting swimmers from wind, rain, and cold while maintaining access to the outdoor experience.
Pool Shelf Life Extended
The DynaDome is the first of its kind west of the Mississippi, positioning Rupert as a pioneer in aquatic facility design. Beyond aesthetics, it shields the pool from harsh seasonal temperature changes, reducing wear, minimizing maintenance, and extending its structural lifespan. This ensures that the historic Neptune Park pool remains safe, operational, and enjoyable for years to come.
Community Collaboration
The $2.4 million renovation was funded through donations from local residents, organizations, and supporters committed to enhancing Rupert’s public spaces. This collaboration reflects the pride residents feel for Neptune Park and the importance of the pool as a community anchor, turning collective support into a long-lasting benefit.
Indoor Air Quality and Comfort
With the DynaDome, pool staff can retract sections in minutes, restoring an outdoor swimming environment filled with sunlight and fresh air. When closed, the structure provides a warm, protected venue for lessons, lap swimming, therapy sessions, and recreational activities. Its naturally ventilated design improves air quality, solves dehumidification challenges, and maintains consistent temperatures, lowering energy and maintenance costs while enhancing comfort and safety.
Enhanced Programming
The all-season facility unlocks new programming opportunities. Swim instructors can maintain uninterrupted lesson schedules, helping children develop water-safety skills. Recreational swimmers enjoy consistent access for fitness, rehabilitation, and leisure. Community groups can host events regardless of the season—from winter swim meets to family nights and aquatic fitness programs strengthening community health, increasing participation, and reinforcing the pool as a hub of activity.
Flexible Space for the Future
This renovation reflects a trend toward adaptable, multi-season recreational facilities. Municipalities nationwide recognize the value of weather-resilient infrastructure that maximizes public investment and expands access to healthy activities. By choosing a DynaDome, Rupert demonstrates how small cities can creatively enhance public spaces while addressing long-standing challenges.
Onward & Upward
In revitalizing this 80-year-old treasure with a DynaDome retractable structure, the City of Rupert has not only preserved an important piece of its past, but has also created a dynamic space that will serve thousands of residents in the years to come. It is a testament to the power of community dedication and the lasting impact of investing in local infrastructure that supports health, joy, and togetherness— all made possible through one of our DynaDome retractable structures.
Watch the news feature about our DynaDome at: KiviTVRupert and KMVTRupert
Story Sponsored by DynaDome
