HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council and the Hutchinson Recreation Commission will meet in a special session to go over several matters on Thursday.
The two sides will sit down and discuss the ongoing aquatics master plan. The master plan is being assembled to discuss the future of the Salt City Splash and how to improve aquatics in the city. In April of 2021, the council approved an agreement for the aquatics study. Originally, the plan was to complete the master plan by the end of 2021, but that was not possible. At the time, it was noted that the staff needed more time to digest all of the information and get a new city council up to speed on the master plan of the entire parks system.
What has been found regarding the Salt City Splash is that it needs some modifications as it stands including new drain covers, electrical work, a new emergency alarm speaker system and just overall upkeep of the facilities. Other needs include chemical controls for the baby pool, inspection and replacement of valves and pumps, and repairs or the replacement of the water spray features.
Aside from the pool itself, the facility needs concrete repair, roof replacement on all of the buildings, and repairs to the lifeguard stations.
As stated in the past, the pool is underserving the needs of the community averaging about 31,000 visits per year. In a city the size of Hutchinson, that number should be closer to 50,000.
The meeting will also include discussion regarding the new concession stand at Hobart-Detter Field, the health neighborhood initiative update, the use of the city facilities and how they have been used over the past year.
Thursday's meeting begins at 9 a.m. at the Hutchinson city offices.
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