Background

Ewert Pool was opened in 1925, and was one of five pools in Joplin in the 1940s and 1950s. In 2003, it was renovated into Joplin’s first aquatic center through the passage of the Parks and Stormwater 1/4-cent sales tax in 2001.

Joplin has two other aquatic centers located at Schifferdecker Park and Cunningham Park. Of the three facilities, Ewert sees the least amount of annual visitors with 3,500 admissions; Schifferdecker has 25,500; and Cunningham has 7,600 visitors during the summer. In recent years, staffing three facilities has been a challenge for the City, due to a variety of factors including wages, staff schedules, and number of applicants.

As the City reviews the best use for Ewert Pool, it is important to hear from our citizens about their ideas. In providing a safe and fun environment for all ages, recreation amenities should address the different needs of the public while being fiscally responsible to the community as a whole.

Study

The City has asked Waters Edge Aquatic Design to evaluate and answer the following questions:

• Does the City of Joplin need three pools?
• What is the appropriate number of pools for a community of Joplin’s size?
• Provide a current structural analysis of Ewert Pool.

Timeline

• July 2020 – Phase 1: Facility & Community Analysis

• August – October 2020 – Phase 2: Public Outreach & Concept Design

  • In-Person Opportunities
    • Community Meeting #1
      • August 20, 2020: Ewert Aquatic Center, 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
    • Neighborhood Meeting:
      • September 1, 2020: McKinley Elementary Cafeteria, 610 Forest Avenue, Joplin; 6:30pm – 8:00pm
    • Community Meeting #2 – Presentation of Concepts
      • October 20, 2020, McKinley Elementary Gymnasium, 610 Forest Avenue, Joplin; 6:00pm -7:30pm 
  • Survey Opportunity
    • Community survey closed to responses as of Thursday, August 27, 2020.

• November/December 2020 – Phase 3: Report to City Council

Submit Your Feedback!

Do you have a question about the project? Something not addressed in the survey? Click here to send us your feedback!

Reference:

Lynn Onstot, Public Information Officer
City of Joplin
417-624-0820, ext. 204
LOnstot@joplinmo.org