Lawrence city commissioners agreed Tuesday night to keep a small wading pool in South Park. The only question is how much they will spend to renovate the pool to bring it into compliance with state health codes and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
"We absolutely want to keep it," Mayor Erv Hodges said, responding to the numerous phone calls and e-mail messages he said he has received on the issue.
Commissioner Mike Rundle echoed that sentiment, but said the city should keep the wading pool as simple as possible, avoiding the temptation to add enhancements that would attract more older children and younger adults to the pool.
"The beauty of this facility is its simplicity," Rundle said, comparing its simple design to a cardboard box that a child can make believe is anything he wants it to be.
Last week, Parks and Recreation director Fred DeVictor reported that engineers had inspected the wading pool and recommended it be closed until repairs and renovations can be made to bring it up to code.
According to engineers, the concrete pool is deteriorating and needs physical repairs.
Also, they said, the pool is outdated and does not meet modern standards. It is filled and drained manually each day and there is no treatment system to filter or circulate the water.
The wading pool area also is not accessible to people with disabilities.
The engineers outlined three options, ranging from an estimated $98,000 renovation, to total replacement at a cost of $220,000 to $230,000.
City manager Mike Wildgen said staff had not yet identified a funding source to pay for the repairs. He said the city would know more at the end of this week after final bids are received for construction of the new indoor aquatic center in west Lawrence.
-- Peter Hancock's phone message number is 832-7144. His e-mail address is phancock@ljworld.com.
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