photo by: Ciity of Lawrence contributed photo

Children play at South Park Wading Pool in this photo from the early 1950s.

The wading pool at South Park will not open for the 2024 season, and it needs “substantial renovations” if it is to open again in the future.

The City of Lawrence detailed the challenges with the wading pool in a news release on Tuesday.

According to the release, the wading pool originally installed in 1948 had its last major renovation more than 20 years ago in 2001. Since then, it has had numerous repairs to its mechanical systems, but the release notes that the infrastructure will require significant demolition and construction work in order to be functional and operate safely again.

“The current challenges with the wading pool have raised safety and financial concerns,” the release reads. “Safety is paramount, especially for our youngest community members.”

The release notes that the city is evaluating future options for the South Park wading pool and will bring forward a recommended plan in the next year.

Besides the wading pool, the city operates two splash pads — one at the intersection of Burroughs Creek Trail and 15th Street and one at Lyons Park, 700 Lyon St. — throughout the summer season from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily.