Morningside University officials have asked the city of Sioux City to purchase Lewis Park and the adjacent pool, which would be demolished for a college baseball stadium to be built.
In a release, the city said a public input meeting on the proposal will be held on August 18 at the Seaboard Triumph Foods Expo Center.
People will be able to hear a full overview of the proposal, followed by an opportunity to ask questions and provide comments. Public feedback will be weighed as the city council considers whether to sell the parcel.
The university officials want to buy the parcel for $350,000 and invest up to $125,000 to create a public green space, including recreational amenities such as pickleball courts. The college would also be responsible for the demolition of Lewis Pool.
The pool is 44 years old, which is past its useful life, and ranks third in attendance among the City’s three public pools. The City has budgeted $100,000 to repaint the pool following this season and an expensive filter replacement project is necessary within the next five years.
Those statistics were summarized earlier this week by Recreation Superintendent Justin Atlas for an extended interview on the city pool options. That What’s the Frequency show will air Friday morning at 10 a.m. on Siouxland Public Media, and be available online at kwit.org.
Morningside officials for years have pursued avenues to build a baseball stadium, including one option recently on the east edge of Sioux City.
