Time to celebrate McCook's new Aquatic Park

Excitement is bubbling over in McCook, Nebraska, as we celebrate Wednesday’s grand opening of the city’s brand-new Aquatic Park.

Far beyond just a replacement, the park features a lazy river with adjustable speeds, two diving boards in a competition pool, a zero-depth entry area for young children, multiple spray features, and an array of exciting slides, including a plume slide, a speed slide, and a family slide designed for shared enjoyment. The unique lilypad walk offers a fun and challenging activity that adds to the park’s appeal.

Safety and smooth operations are paramount, with a fully staffed team of lifeguards and pool operators ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. We are particularly grateful for the generosity of the Community Foundation Fund, which has made admission free for all visitors this year. This gesture ensures that everyone, resident or not, can enjoy the new facility without financial barriers.

Special thanks are due to the construction team led by Corruthers Construction and the engineering firms Lamp Rynearson and W Design, whose exceptional work and dedication have made it possible to meet the summer opening deadline. Despite minor issues identified during the state inspection, we are confident that these will be resolved promptly, allowing the community to fully enjoy this new gem.

We also express our immense gratitude to the Pool Committee and citizens of McCook for passing the bond issue that made this project possible and to the City Council, city staff, and the Public Works Department for their relentless efforts. This project symbolizes more than just a new pool; it represents a generational change in our community’s culture and spirit.

The original McCook public pool, built in 1937 as a WPA project, served our community for over 80 years. It hosted countless families, swim meets, and lessons, becoming a cornerstone of community life. The first pool manager, Frank Weiland, would undoubtedly be proud of this new chapter.

The decade-long effort by the McCook pool committee and city staff to develop this new aquatic center speaks volumes about our community’s perseverance and commitment to future generations. While it took longer than anticipated, the result is a facility that will serve as a cornerstone for fun, fitness, and family gatherings for many years to come.

With the opening of the McCook Aquatic Center, we need 8 to 9 lifeguards to ensure smooth operations, doubling the staffing needs of the former pool. This highlights the importance of community involvement and the need for lifeguards of all ages to step up and ensure that the pool remains open and available to all.

Moreover, the zero cost of admission this summer, thanks to the McCook Foundation Fund generous grant, eliminates financial barriers, allowing everyone to enjoy the new facility. This initiative underscores the committee’s understanding of the pool’s importance to our community and its role in fostering togetherness.

The impact of the McCook Aquatic Center will extend far beyond this summer. This project is part of a broader vision for our community, which includes new recreational facilities like the disc golf course at Barnett Park, the inclusive playground at Kelley Park, the East Campus at McCook Community College, and the new ball field project. These initiatives collectively represent a shift in our community’s thinking and a commitment to addressing complex issues with long-term solutions.

As we celebrate this grand opening, let us remember that this pool is not just about today but about creating a brighter, more vibrant future for McCook and Southwest Nebraska. Together, we are building a community that welcomes new families, businesses, organizations, and projects, making our home an even better place to live.