The City of Lenexa is poised to make a major investment in its outdoor pools. After extensive professional study and a robust public input process, the City Council has committed to renovating Indian Trails Aquatic Center in Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park (87th Street Parkway and Greenway Lane) and maintaining an aquatics facility in Ad Astra Park (83rd Street and Maurer Road).
City staff and elected leaders have long discussed the conditions, challenges and operations of Lenexa’s three outdoor pool facilities. In particular, Indian Trails Aquatic Center and Ad Astra Pool need significant physical improvements. The goal has been to identify an approach for a fiscally responsible and sustainable outdoor aquatics system that serves the entire community into the future.
On June 15, 2021, the Lenexa City Council accepted completion of the Aquatics Study Phase II Final Report. Phase I was completed in 2019. This study was conducted by a nationally recognized aquatic engineering and design firm.
The Council advanced one key study recommendation to upgrade Indian Trails into a modernized community-wide aquatics center with an appropriate mix of amenities. Council members also directed staff to bring back options for retaining some type of pool facility at the Ad Astra site.
Flat Rock Creek Pool is the newest pool in Lenexa, was fully renovated in 2012, and is still in good condition.
“It’s very clear that Lenexans value and strongly support water recreation opportunities,” said Parks & Recreation Director Logan Wagler. According to a statistically valid survey conducted earlier this year, the kinds of aquatics features important to residents include a lazy river, rebuilding a diving well, lap lanes, play features, shade and other comfort amenities. “We are eager to incorporate their ideas in future designs for improving Lenexa’s pools,” said Wagler.
How much Lenexa decides to budget for investments in outdoor aquatics facilities will be part of the Capital Improvement Program process later in 2021. This five-year rolling plan outlines a schedule of capital projects across the whole city, along with financing options. Projects are regularly reviewed and reprioritized as staff and the governing body work to balance a wide range of needs.
Once a budget amount and timeline for each project is identified, the City of Lenexa will undertake design processes including additional public input from the community. In the meantime, both pools will remain open during the summer swim season, provided that there are no major maintenance or physical issues.
(Photo credit: Wendy Delzeit)
Published June 16, 2021