Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department will cease to operate and maintain the Carl Knox Natatorium, located on the Lawrence High School campus, 1901 Louisiana St., after fall programming is completed Thursday, Dec. 13.
Parks and Recreation has been in partnership with USD 497 since late-1979, operating and maintaining the facility, as well as offering department aquatic programming and open swim hours for the community. Since August 2018, Parks and Recreation and the school district have been in conversation about the department discontinuing operation and maintenance of the facility. This includes daily maintenance, all aquatic programming and open swim hours offered at the site.
The primary reason for ceasing programming, operation and maintenance of the facility is low daily admission usage and a lack of offered programs meeting class minimums. The recruitment of qualified lifeguards has also become a developing issue to ensure a safe environment.
Despite ceasing operation, 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.
For more information, please contact Lee Ice, assistant director – recreation, at (785) 330-7355.