Background
Drone view of Outdoor Aqautic Center
It’s been nearly thirty years since the Outdoor Aquatic Center in Lawrence last saw a renovation, time has taken its toll and a lot has changed in pool design since then. Now, the City is gearing up to give it another renovation and partial makeover.
This spring and summer, things will get started with a planning phase. During this phase, we’ll be examining the current conditions, talking with the pool operations and maintenance folks at Lawrence Parks, Recreation, Arts and Culture, and having discussions with the public about what everyone needs and wants. We’ll use all this feedback and data to address maintenance needs and craft some new design ideas and figure out the costs involved. After planning, we’ll move on to the detailed design, get contractors lined up, and start the actual construction. It’s an exciting time to reimagine and enhance this popular community space!
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.
Community Engagement
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.
Public Meetings
Public Meeting 1 was held from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at the Carnegie Building, in the Heritage Room. The meeting began with a short presentation and the remaining time included a less formal open house, come-and-go-style opportunity to share thoughts with the consultant team and City staff.
Public Meeting 2 – Wednesday, May 29, 2024 from 5:30-7:00 at the Lawrence Public Library
Public Meeting 3– Wednesday, June 26, 2024 from 5:30-7:00 at the Lawrence Public Library
Surveys
Public Survey 1 – Closed May 1, 2024
Public Survey 2 – Closed June 12, 2024
Public Survey 3 – Closed July 10, 2024
August 13, 2024 City Commission Presentation
Stay Tuned for more information!
History
- August 13, 2024 City Commission Agenda Item
- May 21, 2024 media release: Second Meeting upcoming to discuss Outdoor Aquatic Center renovations; Outdoor Aquatic Center to Open June 1 for summer season
- April 4, 2024 media release: Meeting scheduled to discuss Outdoor Aquatic Center renovations; survey active to provide feedback
Contact
You may also contact Jake Baldwin, Engineering Program Manager, jbaldwin@lawrenceks.org. The public may also follow the project on social media and use our #LawrenceOutdoorPool hashtag.