photo by: Nick Krug

In this file photo from Jan. 17, 2017, a Lawrence High swimmer dives into the pool at the Carl Knox Natatorium at LHS.

The Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department will soon cease operations and city programming at the Carl Knox Natatorium, located on the campus of Lawrence High School, 1901 Louisiana St., according to a city news release.

The city will stop operating and maintaining the pool after fall programming is completed on Dec. 13. Parks and Recreation has been in partnership with the school district since 1979 to operate and maintain the facility, and it has also offered aquatic programming and open swim hours for the community.

The primary reason for ceasing the city’s involvement is low daily usage and programs failing to meet class minimums, according to the release; the recruitment of qualified lifeguards has also become an issue.

Parks and Recreation and the school district have been discussing the city discontinuing its involvement since Aug. 2018, according to the release. Parks and Recreation staff will work with the school district, providing training and assistance during the transition, to ensure the knowledge required to operate and maintain is transferred effectively.