MCPHERSON — After two major summer floods left the Roundhouse gym floor damaged, USD 418 is moving forward with a plan to address both the immediate repairs and long-term flood protection for the facility.
The flooding in June and July was caused by what engineers have called rare and extraordinary storm events. The June 18 storm was classified as a 200-year flood, followed in July by back-to-back 100-year and 50-year events. Despite concerns from some in the community, engineers confirmed that the new athletic track and field, completed in 2022, did not contribute to the flooding. In fact, they found it may help slow water before it reaches the floodway.
To better prepare for the future, USD 418 partnered with inCite Design Studios (iDS) and Kaw Valley Civil Engineering to study the Bull Creek and McPherson Dry Turkey Creek watersheds. Their recommendations include expanding the detention pond to hold more stormwater, testing and upgrading the pond’s pump system, raising doorways, and adding temporary barriers until more permanent work can be done.
The Board of Education has taken a step-by-step approach since the flooding began. In July, it initially approved replacing the gym floor but later paused the project to hear from engineers. At a special meeting earlier this month, engineers presented their findings and outlined a series of mitigation steps.
The Board will revisit the issue at its next regular meeting on Monday, September 15, where members are expected to decide how to proceed with both the flood control measures and the replacement of the gym floor.
District officials emphasized that staff vigilance has kept the Roundhouse dry during subsequent rains and that they remain committed to ensuring the facility is protected against future flooding.