Post updated at 10:45 p.m. Tuesday, May 28:
The wading pool at South Park will not open for the 2024 season and will need substantial renovations before it can open again, the City of Lawrence announced Tuesday.
“The current challenges with the wading pool have raised safety and financial concerns,” according to a city news release. “Safety is paramount, especially for our youngest community members.”
The pool was installed in 1948, had a major renovation in 2001 and “has subsequently had numerous repairs to its mechanical systems over the past 23 years,” according to the release. “To be functional and operate safely again, the aging infrastructure will require significant demolition and construction work.”
The city is evaluating future options for the pool and will bring forward a recommended plan in the next year, according to the release.
The city’s two splash pads are now open and will be from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily throughout the summer season, according to the release. Those are located at the intersection of the Burroughs Creek Trail and 15th Street, and at Lyons Park in North Lawrence.
The Outdoor Aquatic Center opens for the season on Saturday, June 1. (More details at this link.)
The city is also planning a $6.1 million renovation of the outdoor pool. A second public input meeting about plans for that renovation is set for 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 29 at the Lawrence Public Library auditorium, and a formal presentation will begin at 5:45 p.m. Online commenting about the renovation plans will be open through June 12 at surveymonkey.com/r/OutdoorPool2.
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