If you could improve the Lawrence Outdoor Aquatic Center, what would you do? The City of Lawrence is beginning a major renovation project with consultants from SFS Architecture, Vireo and Water’s Edge Aquatic Design to assess issues and develop plans to renovate the Outdoor Aquatic Center, 727 Kentucky St.  Community input is an important part of the planning process and helps the City in developing a plan that reflects the community’s needs and desires.

A public meeting has been scheduled to gather feedback and share thoughts about the renovation, as well as review exhibits about the aquatic center. The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, at the Carnegie Building, 200 W. Ninth St., in the Heritage Room.  The meeting will begin with a short presentation and the remaining time will be a less formal open house, come-and-go-style opportunity to share thoughts with the consultant team and City staff.

A public survey is also available to share thoughts and input. It will remain open through Wednesday, May 1. The survey may be taken at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/outdoorpool1. The survey will also be made available at the public meeting for those who wish to share their views at that time.

Background
Nearly three decades have passed since the Outdoor Aquatic Center was renovated. Major maintenance issues developed while pool design evolved during that time. The City is now undertaking a process to renovate it again. Planning is the first phase of the effort and is anticipated to be completed during the summer of 2024. It involves assessing existing conditions; talking with Lawrence Parks and Recreation Pool operations and maintenance staff; discussing issues, needs, and solutions with the public; developing improvement concepts based on data analyses and community input; and identifying a preferred direction and cost estimate. Later work will involve creating detailed design plans, bidding the project, and constructing improvements.

Planning is the first phase of the effort and is anticipated to be completed during the summer of 2024. It involves assessing existing conditions; talking with Lawrence Parks and Recreation Pool operations and maintenance staff; discussing issues, needs, and solutions with the public; developing improvement concepts based on data analyses and community input; and identifying a preferred direction and cost estimate. Later work will involve creating detailed design plans, bidding the project, and constructing improvements.

The City has allocated $6.1 million in its 2024-2028 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for design and construction. It is anticipated that much of the funding will be used for identified maintenance issues and needs. The balance will support a prioritized range of amenities. If necessary, the City could choose to pursue additional CIP dollars. Once the process is complete, the City intends to have addressed maintenance concerns, provided new amenities, and expanded the pool season.