Lawrence Parks & Rec Board discussion on rec center fees, pool renovations delayed

The Lawrence Parks and Recreation Advisory Board tabled conversations about rec center fee implementation and Outdoor Aquatic Center renovations after the October monthly meeting was canceled.

The Monday meeting was disbanded as they did not reach a quorum with only three board members and the staff liaison present.

According to the agenda, staff liaison Roger Steinbrock was going to request a volunteer from the board to join the North Lawrence Corridor Study Task Force. That task force will look at Plan 2040, the Downtown Lawrence Plan, activation of the Kansas River waterfront and related land usage opportunities for transportation.

Steinbrock said he needed a volunteer by the end of Tuesday, so he will email the board and members can respond to let him know if they’re interested.

The rest of the Monday agenda will be moved to next month. Board members will now receive updates on rec center membership fee implementation for 2026 and Outdoor Aquatic Center renovations during the Nov. 10 meeting.

Historically, rec centers including Sports Pavilion Lawrence and the East Lawrence and Holcom Park recreation centers have been free to Lawrence residents. On Sept. 16, city commissioners voted to approve a 2026 budget including fees for residents to use these facilities. See a full breakdown of future fees here.

In August, the city announced it was pivoting to a two-phase timeline for renovations that should allow the Outdoor Aquatic Center at 727 Kentucky St. to stay open for swim seasons. Find more details about the last proposed timeline here.

The next Parks & Rec Board meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10.

Wulfe Wulfemeyer (they/them), reporter and news editor, has worked with The Lawrence Times since May 2025. They can be reached at wulfe@lawrencekstimes.com.

Read their complete bio here. Read their work for the Times here.

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