Published on July 02, 2026
Lenexa’s newly rebuilt Ad Astra Pool will open to the public July 4, bringing a refreshed take on a longtime summer tradition. The pool was originally scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend, but construction delays caused by extended periods of rain pushed back the timeline.
“While we were disappointed we couldn’t open Ad Astra Pool earlier, this project is a long-term investment that will serve our community for the next 30 to 40 years,” said Logan Wagler, director of Lenexa Parks & Recreation. “I am confident that the community will be excited about what the new Ad Astra Pool has to offer. We appreciate the community’s patience as we worked with the contractor to complete this project.”
Since 1988, Ad Astra Pool has been a summertime gathering place. While above ground it brought people together and was a beloved place, underground structural challenges became costly and made a full rebuild necessary.
The $8 million pool renovation included extensive underground work before construction above ground could begin. The project was funded through Lenexa’s 3/8-Cent Sales Tax and its design was based on community input.
The new pool reflects what residents said they wanted most — a fun, welcoming and easy-to-use space for all ages. Residents helped shape the project through three community open houses and multiple online surveys in 2024. The new pool includes a zero-depth entry with nearby shade, three 25-yard lap lanes and a deep-water area with diving boards. A 180-foot current channel adds a playful element, while a new bathhouse and concessions building make the overall space more inviting and accessible.
The improvements extend beyond the pool itself. The entire site has been redeveloped to better serve the community, including a new access road to ease traffic and support student drop-off at nearby Christa McAuliffe Elementary School, upgraded park features and shelter and year-round restrooms.
All Lenexa outdoor pools including Ad Astra Pool will be open on Independence Day from noon to 6 p.m.
Ad Astra Pool regular daily hours are noon to 7:30 p.m. through Aug. 9. The pool will be closed Aug. 4, 6 and 8 as seasonal staff return to school. After Aug. 9, Sar-Ko-Par Aquatic Center will remain open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Labor Day.
Daily admission for Ad Astra Pool is $7 for Lenexa residents and $10 for nonresidents. Children ages 2 and under are free, and seniors receive a discount. Memberships are also available.
Investment More than $10 million for the pool and park, funded through Lenexa’s voter-approved 3/8-Cent Sales Tax.
Timeline
Public engagement: Summer 2024 Residents helped shape the project through three community open houses (June 13, July 24 and Sept. 11) and online surveys. Feedback guided amenities, design direction and final concept selection.
Design: Summer 2024 to Spring 2025
Demolition: Fall 2024
Construction began: Summer 2025 (pool closed for the 2025 season)
Opened: Summer 2026
Project team
Designer: SFS Architecture
Contractor: Clay-Pro Construction Inc.