High water delays opening of wading pool
Photo
The wading pool at the north end of Riverside Park has been hit by the rising waters of the Rock River. Seepage from has enter the pool and park official fear that it may delay the opening of the west side amenity.
JANESVILLE — Mother Nature is not cooperating with last year’s council decision to reopen Riverside Wading Pool.
The council last April voted to reopen the pool after it was closed in 2002 to save money.
The volunteer group Friends of Riverside Park convinced the majority to spend about $50,000 to offer an amenity to bring more people to what some consider the city’s most beautiful park.
But record flooding last year swamped the park and dashed hopes to open the pool in 2008.
And high water this year will at least delay this summer’s opening.
“If the high river and groundwater levels continue, it is unlikely we will be able to reopen the wading pool for the beginning of the aquatic season,” Jay Winzenz, director of administrative services, said.
Groundwater is high in the pit where pumps must be installed, and the storm sewer system is backing up. Because the pool has been closed, much of the piping must be replaced. But the pool itself has standing water.
Spring flooding is not unusual in Riverside Park, which hugs the Rock River. But things haven’t dried out since last year’s flood and the groundwater remains high.
“We have water in areas that normally we wouldn’t have water in,” Winzenz said. “It’s pushing up from the bottom as opposed to surface water coming in from the top.
“Were going to have to wait until that goes down to get in there and make the repairs.
“We’re going to get ready to go, and then it’s going to be waiting on Mother Nature. I don’t know when the water levels will drop enough to get in and do that work,” Winzenz said.
Floodwaters last year did not recede until fall.
Winzenz said he hopes the pool will open sometime this year.
Apr 8, 2009 at 1:53 p.m.
Suggest removal
Good grief! No is ever happy. I think there was NO city money used for the wading pool project. I might be wrong but that's how I read it.
If you want a skate park (which I think is a BAD idea) then get up, raise some money and go to the council instead of whining about it on here. The only good that will come from that skate park being built is that we won't have to hear about it anymore.
Apr 3, 2009 at 5:19 p.m.
Suggest removal
janesvillian: I heard some where that between money in hand and in kind donations they have close to $50,000. At what point does the community and the city step in to bring this to reality?
Apr 3, 2009 at 2:54 p.m.
Suggest removal
When I was growing up I recall Riverside Park being flooded. And after the floods recede the pool was open for use. My brother and I used the pool when we were kids.
My complaint is that the City of Janesville uses the lame brain excuses in all their actions.
Apr 3, 2009 at 11:03 a.m.
Suggest removal
wtp, for one thing, the Friends of Riverside Park have put a lot of their own time and money into improving and maintaining the park. For another, they showed up at a council meeting and made their case for this.
.
You mention the skate park, and the city has agreed to build one IF the community first raises some money. The committee has abjectly failed to bring in enough donations to trigger the city's match.
Apr 3, 2009 at 9:29 a.m.
Suggest removal
Why are we spending 50,000. on a project that can only be use to the most 40 to 50 days a year. There are other projects that the city could spend that kind of money and be used most of the year by both young and adults. Example a bike and skate park that is badly needed. Every city in size around the area has put in a park and is use every day. Many days hundreds of people get use from this project. Yet I don't see Janesville community coming forth to get one built.
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.