Demolition begins on Aquatic Park slides, lap pool in St. Joseph
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Demolition crews are moving forward on the removal of two longstanding and out-of-service features of the St. Joseph Aquatic Park.
Drivers commuting along Messanie Street and South Noyes Boulevard will see crews disassembling both of the large dual slides starting today. Demolition of the lap pool is expected to occur early next week.
The move comes after City Councilmembers approved a $239,000 demolition contract Sept. 2 to remove the aquatic features at 402 S. Noyes Blvd., two features that have long been out of service. The city intends to recycle the slides and other usable materials.
Despite plans for the slides and lap pool, the existing shallow activity pool and lazy river will remain in place and be available for residents in future pool seasons.
Councilmembers previously approved a contract last August for preliminary services related to demolition of the Aquatic Park lap pool, a project that hinged on whether the city agreed to a partnership with the YMCA for a $15 million indoor aquatic center up north, a state-of-the-art 35,000 square foot facility set to open in 2027.
That partnership -- formally approved by councilmembers in May -- will see the city contribute $7 million toward construction. Prior to the decision, the city had left open the possibility of using funds for the outdoor Aquatic Center if the YMCA agreement didn't come to fruition.
In early 2023, City councilmembers opted to postpone improvements to the lap pool portion after officials balked at a price tag that was beginning to reach $8 million, well past initial estimates for repairing a summer facility open for just three months out of the year.
