by Logan Gruber
operations@thenewsleaders.com
Those who wish to have their voices heard regarding the recent push for a water amenity will have their chance at the April 20 regular city council meeting.
City Administrator Judy Weyrens told the Newsleader the council plans to hold only one session at this time. She said the city will decide after Monday whether to have additional input sessions, or find a different way to examine the water-amenity issue.
“It might be put into a committee or further input sessions,” Weyrens said.
The city will accept public input at about 6:40 p.m. according to the council agenda. The public input session will be part of the regular city council meeting.
Background
On April 6, the city council chose to approve and move forward on the documents presented by Tom Schaffer of USAquatics. The estimated cost of the next step in this process is $71,000. The total cost of the water amenity is estimated at $6.14 million.
Included in the concept are a multi-use pool with one- and three-meter diving boards; grassy lounge areas; a lazy river; three water slides; rental tents; water geysers and an aqua fort on a splash pad; a covered seating area; changing rooms; a concession stand; a zip line; and shade structures. The design also calls for heated water.
The preferred site chosen by the committee for the water amenity is north of Hwy 75 on CR 133, though no land purchases have been made yet.
Schematic of the proposed water amenity in St. Joseph.