Milwaukee County Parks is seeking public input on a plan to replace Washington Park Pool with a "Super Splash Pad."
The Washington Park Aquatics Facility Survey asks residents to weigh in on features of the new splash pad, such as sprayers, shades and water tables.
From 2023 to 2025, Milwaukee County Parks analyzed its aquatic facilities to look at their long-term sustainability. The results revealed a need to transition away from "aging, operationally intensive pools" to more cost-effective amenities, such as splash pads.
Splash pads are lower maintenance and require fewer staff members, and they're also more accessible and can serve a wider range of users, according the county's study.
In 2019. Washington Park Pool closed after nearly 62 years in operation. Most pools have an expected lifespan of about 20 years, and the Washington Park Pool "require significant capital investment to remain operational" by the time it closed," Milwaukee County Parks said in a news release.
"Milwaukee County Parks recognizes that the former pool holds deep meaning for the community," the news release said. "This project is an opportunity to honor that history while working together to create a new aquatic experience that meets today's needs and can be sustained for years to come."
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Washington Park Pool already had the highest cost per swimmer of any pool in the county's system at almost $34 per swimmer in 2019. Repairs would have included full liner replacement, cracking in the filter system and major fixes to piping.
Now, Milwaukee County Parks is looking to replace it with an aquatics facility built adjacent to existing amenities, which include a splash pad currently in operation. The community survey asks respondents about designs and layouts, including 20 options for interactive sprayers and four different floor finishes. Some questions ask respondents to make up to three selections.
The survey also includes cost ranges for each element. Ground sprayers carry a price tag from $300 to $500, and a large play structure runs from $1 million to $1.5 million. Here's a price breakdown:
Interactive sprayers: $5,000-$10,000
Shower sprayers: $20,000-$50,000
Small play structure: $120,000-$250,000
Medium play structure: $300,000-$750,000
Large play structure: $1,000,000-$1,500,000
The survey also asks open-ended questions about the design of the facility, including potential themes. It will be active through Aug. 19.
Lance Schulteis can be reached at [email protected]
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee County asks for feedback on Washington Park splash pad plan