We are well into summer, and among the summer activities that people enjoy is being in a pool. Some people own their own pools, but for decades in the Midwest, cities have also built municipal pools for people to enjoy and in which swimming lessons can be taken.
This show digs into the variety of offerings of pools and newer style splash pads, which are growing in number in Siouxland.
Sioux City has seven splash pads, an aquatic center style pool at Riverside Park and two big lap style pools too. Last year, those three pools had a combined 34,000 users, with almost half of that at Riverside alone.
One piece of this show explores the fact that the two big lap pools, with Leif Erickson on the city’s northside and Lewis Poll near the Morningside area of town, are each more than 40 years old.
Both need at least $200,000 in ongoing maintenance in the next year or so, and city officials are discussing if a pool could be closed.
So it is conceivable that a pool could be on its last month of usage.
You will hear from four people, as I interviewed to get a range of information and opinions on the pools in Sioux City.
The first you will hear was from users of Lewis Pool in the Morningside area, on a 100 degree day this week. Those were Michelle Blume and Becky Gaul, who use the adult swim time many times per week.
Other guests are Sioux city Mayor Bob Scott and Recreation Superintendent Justin Atlas.
*After the interviews for this show were finished, there was a late development Wednesday.
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.
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 park 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.
That new information makes this Frequency show even more timely.
*Click on the audio link above to hear the entire show.
What's The Frequency, Episode 113.
