Family Says Nearby Road Construction Damaged Their Pool

A swimming pool in the middle of an Oklahoma summer is supposed to provide cool relaxation, but a metro family is hot and tense after they say nearby road construction has turned their oasis into a muddy mess.

They said it all started about five weeks ago when heavy rains washed dirt from nearby road construction right through their yard and down into their backyard pool. Now, that pool is still filled with mud, rocks, and who knows what else.

“It’s nasty,” said James Brown. 

The pool and house belong to Brown's father who recently had to move into a nursing home. Brown and his wife were on vacation when a neighbor called and alerted him to the issue. His brother then sent pictures.

“Swimming pool is a disaster,” said Brown.

A thick coat of sand still covers the patio. Mud also washed into the garage and threatened to come inside the house.

“We weren’t counting on the beach,” Brown said.

Brown said he hasn't cleaned it up yet because he thinks the City of Oklahoma City is responsible since they are doing the road construction. He filed a complaint but said he hasn't heard a thing since. No one has even come to look at it.

“At least someone come out and have the courtesy to tell them what’s going on,” said Brown.

A City spokesperson told News 9 they received the complaint on August 1 and attorneys are researching the claim. Legally, the City has 90 days to make a recommendation. The City has had the claim for 15.

But in the meantime, the pool which had been the site of many family get-togethers has been unusable.

“All the grandkids, great-grandkids of dad’s, this was theirs. This is the only thing that really brought us together,” said Brown. “Summer’s over. Five weeks back.”