City Council OKs demolition of Aquatic Park lap pool, replacement of Bode Ice Arena roof

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- St. Joseph residents will see large-scale renovations to the city's premiere indoor ice arena as well as the demolition of a longtime pool following approval by city leaders on Tuesday.

Bode Ice Arena, built in 1975, will have its aging and deteriorating roof replaced with an all-new structure after councilmembers approved a contract at Tuesday’s City Council meeting for the project, a welcome development for local ice skaters, hockey players and families who regularly use the popular facility.

Councilmembers approved using $577,800 in parks sales tax funds to install the new roof system that will cover both the ice rink and lobby areas, a parks tax-funded project awarded to Roberts Roofing Co. of St. Joseph.

Tuesday’s meeting also saw unanimous approval of a $239,000 contract to remove the lap pool and dual slides at the Aquatic Park at 402 S. Noyes Blvd., two features that have been out of service for years.

Despite demolition plans, 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 35,000 square foot facility.

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 pan out.

City councilmembers opted to postpone improvements to the lap pool portion of the Aquatic Park in early 2023 after officials balked at a price tag that was beginning to reach $8 million, well past initial estimates for repairing the facility. 

Council OKs $1.8 million for key portion of Rosecrans air traffic control tower project

Finishing touches on a critical piece of new infrastructure at Rosecrans Memorial Airport are set to begin with council members approving a $1.8 million contract to install a wide-range of new and modernized equipment on Tuesday. 

The contract with local company E. L. Crawford Construction, Inc., covers the installation of all personnel, equipment, materials, tools and related resources necessary for the newly constructed $17 million air traffic control tower at Rosecrans Memorial Airport. 

The civilian airport and military base are in the midst of a widespread multi-year modernization project that includes relocating the 139th Airlift Wing to the north end, ensuring the long-term success of St. Joseph’s largest employer. 

Along with the addition of a new runway last year, Rosecrans unveiled a new $8 million terminal building in May and is nearing the finish line on the new air traffic control tower. 

Renovations on the way for Hyde baseball field, Civic Center Park fountain

Council members approved a pair of key construction contracts to upgrade one Southside athletic facility and storied feature at City Hall.

Just over $300,000 in parks sales tax funds were approved to council to help renovate Field No. 6 at Hyde Park, a project that will be carried out by GameTime Athletics. 

Hyde renovations include installation of a new fence and backstop, reconstruction of the infield, and upgrades to the irrigation system and outfield areas.

A separate contract worth $190,655 with local company Brooner & Associates was approved to upgrade the fountain located on the north side of City Hall.  

This project involves the complete demolition and removal of the existing fountain structure, along with all associated brick, stone and concrete materials. Following site preparation, new features including a concrete sidewalk, patio area and benches will be installed. 

City contributes $40,000 to MoWest community service center

City leaders approved $40,000 as part of a funding agreement with MoWest to help operate its Center for Service, a program that provides opportunities to learn and serve by connecting students to real world service within the community.

The City of St. Joseph’s approved FY 2026 budget includes a contribution to provide financial assistance for the operation of the center, which is expected to benefit St. Joseph citizens and community organizations. 

Other bills approved by City Council

Council members approved several agreements with Easy Care Lawns Company and Wright & Sons Company to provide nuisance abatement of weeds, rank growth and trash for the city of Saint Joseph, Missouri.

By entering into these agreements, the City can expedite nuisance abatement projects requiring quick attention, as well as those that need collaborative efforts for completion. This approach leads to more efficient and timely operations by the City.