The Outdoor Aquatic Center is closed for the season.
Construction for the renovation project is being scheduled so that it doesn’t interfere with the pool’s regular seasonal use in 2026 and 2027.
Background
Drone view of Outdoor Aquatic Center
It’s been nearly thirty years since the Outdoor Aquatic Center in Lawrence last saw a renovation! Now, the City is working on plans that improve the structure and functionality of our beloved Outdoor Aquatic Center.
In October 2024, the City Commission directed staff to rehabilitate the pool by maintaining the existing open water and separating the shallow-depth/zero-depth area from the main pool and installing separate filter systems. This direction also includes replacing the pool deck and the below-deck pool piping as well as demolition and replacement of deteriorated sections of the pool basin structure.
Other work includes adding a new accessible ramp to the main pool and some building renovations.
Community Engagement
The City of Lawrence is working with SFS Architecture, Vireo and Water’s Edge Aquatic Design to develop plans to renovate the Outdoor Aquatic Center according to the scope approved in October. Community input is an important part of the planning process and helps the City understand community’s wants and needs.
Upcoming community meeting times will be posted here.
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2024 HISTORICAL INFORMATION
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
Community Engagement (Pop-ups)
The Communications & Community Relations team held two pop-up events at the Indoor Aquatic Center to capture user feedback.
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- Thursday, January 23 from 8 a.m. to noon and 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday, January 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Surveys
Public Survey 1 – Closed May 1, 2024
Public Survey 2 – Closed June 12, 2024
Public Survey 3 – Closed July 10, 2024
Public Survey 4 (Regarding zero depth entry shallow pool) – Closed January 27, 2025
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.gov. The public may also follow the project on social media and use our #LawrenceOutdoorPool hashtag.