Waterloo plans major improvements to upper Gates Park

WATERLOO | A city board has endorsed an ambitious overhaul of upper Gates Park that includes replacing the swimming pool with a large splash pad.

Members of the Waterloo Leisure Services Commission voted 6-0 Tuesday to support a master plan developed by city staff and Ritland+Kuiper Landscape Architects which projects more than $3.7 million in improvements to the park along East Donald Street.

"Byrnes and Gates are our traditional big parks in Waterloo," said Leisure Services Director Paul Huting. "Gates seemed to need some attention.

"We really don't know where we're going to find all that funding," Huting added. "The big-ticket item is to remove the pool and convert that to a major splash pad."

Ward 4 City Councilman Quentin Hart, who was heavily involved in the plan development, acknowledged some residents might be troubled by losing the pool.

"There may be a little backlash, but when someone takes a look at the entire concept that's being proposed, it's a no-brainer to me," Hart said. "This kind of provides a great opportunity for us to have some connectivity throughout this entire park."

Other elements of the plan include a trail, improved sports courts, play equipment, soccer field enhancements, parking, toilets and an addition to the Gates golf course clubhouse.

The proposed splash pad would be similar to the popular Mark's Park "sprayground" at the downtown RiverLoop Amphitheatre, but would be at least four times larger and include shelters for visitors.

The swimming pools at Byrnes and Gates parks are approaching the end of their useful lives, and replacing them would cost $5 million to $7 million each. The Gates splash pad development would cost an estimated $1.9 million.

Recreation Services Manager Mark Gallagher said attendance at the Gates Pool has waned, getting only a third of the Byrnes pool patrons. Meanwhile, the new indoor pool at the Cedar Valley SportsPlex opened this year to add another venue for recreation, pool parties and swimming lessons.

Go here to read the rest:
Waterloo plans major improvements to upper Gates Park