Bring on the lazy river: This and other fun features coming to Lenexa’s flagship pool

When Lenexa asked residents what they most wanted in a refurbished Indian Trails Aquatic Center, the No. 1 priority was a lazy river.

And that’s one of many amenities they will see when the renamed facility opens for the 2024 summer season in Sar-Ko-Park Trails Park near 87th Street Parkway and Lackman Road. Also part of the $15 million plan:

▪ Slides

▪ Deep water and diving boards

▪ A play structure for toddlers

▪ Zero-depth pool entry

▪ Lap lanes

▪ More shaded areas

▪ Family restrooms

▪ More parking and improved sidewalk connections

“We are excited to be able to deliver what residents of all ages told us they want at this pool,” Lenexa Parks & Recreation Director Logan Wagler said in a news release. “There will be something for everyone to enjoy — from general recreation and swim lessons to aquatic fitness and our swim and dive team.”

The renovations will begin this winter, and the city’s largest pool complex will be closed during the 2023 swim season. During that time, residents can use Lenexa’s other outdoor pools: Ad Astra at 8265 Maurer Road and Flat Rock Creek, 13120 W. 103rd St.

The city said it is working with the Confluence architectural firm and McCownGordon, the contractor, to contain costs during this period of rising prices. “Reusing and rehabilitating parts of the current structure that are in good condition will help the project stay within budget,” the news release said.

Meanwhile, the city is asking the public to suggest a new name for the aquatic center, which was built in 1976 and expanded in 1998.

“The name Indian Trails Aquatic Center is a holdover from before the neighboring Sar-Ko-Par and Indian Trails parks were combined into one larger park decades ago,” the city said on its website. “The aquatic center was originally part of Indian Trails Park.”

Officials want the new name to reduce confusion about the pool’s location, to reflect the modern amenities to come and reinforce the facility’s status as Lenexa’s flagship pool.

Through Aug. 3, the public is invited to submit suggestions at surveymonkey.com/r/QCJ3BG8. The link is also in the renaming announcement at lenexa.com. Up to 10 randomly selected people will be awarded prizes for participating.

Lenexa wants ideas for new skate park

The skate park in Lenexa’s Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park is more than two decades old, and its surface is deteriorating.

That’s why the city will spend $1 million to replace it and a parking lot that will be bigger and safer for pedestrians.

However, officials want to know what features are most desired for those who bring their skateboards, BMX bikes, skates, scooters or wheelchairs to the park, which will be redesigned and rebuilt by New Line Skateparks.

A design workshop was scheduled for July 21, but the city also is posting a survey from July 21 through Aug. 4 for residents to share their ideas. Find it at lenexa.com.

Library bookstores to close

The Friends of Johnson County Library organization is closing the used bookstores at the Antioch Library in Merriam and the Blue Valley Library in south Overland Park. July 30 is the last day for both.

“Unfortunately, sales at these locations have continued to lag behind pre-pandemic levels,” Friends president Chris Meier said in a statement. “We’re making this difficult decision so that the organization can focus resources toward our mission of supporting the Library.”

The organization will continue selling used materials online and at pop-up sales at its headquarters in the Pine Ridge Office Park, 8279 Melrose Drive in Overland Park. Starting Aug. 6, sales will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each Saturday except holidays.

Patrons can still donate gently used books, CDs, DVDs and other materials at Pine Ridge and many library branches. Get details about buying and donating materials at friendsofjcl.org.

Pavement work on I-35

Watch for night and weekend traffic disruptions on northbound Interstate 35, as the Kansas Department of Transportation upgrades the pavement between 151st and 167th streets in the Olathe area.

Through mid-September, crews will work from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Thursday and from 7 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Monday.

The $6.3 million project involves concrete pavement patching and asphalt overlay.

Johnson County Fair opens July 31

Free concerts will be part of the 2022 Johnson County Fair, scheduled from July 31 to Aug. 6 at the county fairgrounds in downtown Gardner. Its theme is “Home of the Free Because of the Brave.”

Admission is free to the fairgrounds, at 136 E. Washington St., and visitors can tour livestock pens, eat at dining booths and see the work of 4-H youth in the livestock barn.

Also free are these concerts on the Midway Stage:

▪ KC Dixieland Band, 7 p.m. Aug. 3.

▪ Troubadour Retrievers Duo, 7 p.m. Aug. 4.

▪ Tate Stevens, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 5.

▪ 2nd House Band, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 6.

Admission fees vary for arena events such as amateur flat track races, a rodeo and demolition derby.

Because U.S 56/Main Street is being reconstructed through downtown Gardner, the traditional parade will not happen this year. For a complete list of activities, visit jocokansasfair.com.

Merriam tree sale comes with discounts

The city of Merriam is offering discounts on tree purchases this summer.

The offer is open only to Merriam residents, who can save $15 when they buy one tree or $30 for buying two or more. Orders are due by Aug. 19. Go to merriam.org and search for Tree Sale to find a list of available trees and place an order.

School supplies can pare Shawnee court fines

As Olathe has done, the city of Shawnee is accepting school supplies to partly cover fines and warrant fees in municipal court, unless the offense involves driving while drunk.

From July 25 to Aug. 5, the court is offering a $50 credit for $15 worth of school supplies up to a maximum of $30 in school supplies.

Visit cityofshawnee.org for details and a supply list.

National Night Out is Aug. 2

The National Night Out is scheduled for Aug. 2 across the country to promote police-community partnerships and neighborhood safety and camaraderie.

Some Johnson County communities are participating and activities vary from place to place. Merriam police officers, for example, will chat with residents from 6 to 8 p.m. at Waterfall Park, where visitors can enjoy a free hot dog dinner, live music, face painting, yard games and other activities for kids.

Olathe and Lenexa have encouraged residents to invite public safety personnel to neighborhood events that evening.