A divided Merriam City Council has approved a new community center design with a smaller outdoor pool, despite a crowd’s pleas at City Hall to pause and reconsider the project.
Critics vowed Monday night to continue a petition drive in hopes of stopping the planned demolition of the existing outdoor pool, which could begin in early October.
Some people said that this summer’s community center debate has served to divide, rather than unite, the community.
Following an intense three-hour discussion Monday, the council voted 5-3 in favor of the proposed design for a new center, plus indoor and outdoor pools, in Vavra Park, to be built on the site of the existing summer pool that many residents cherish. More than 100 people packed the city council chambers. Some were very supportive of the design and said the new indoor pool with therapy area for seniors, plus gymnasium, fitness center and other features will be major enhancements for Merriam.
“I’m asking you to affirm,” Todd Boyer, a former City Councilman, urged the council, saying the new design reflects “a community center for the entire community.”
But the majority in the audience argued that the land allocated for a large outdoor courtyard, plus the emphasis on the indoor pool, takes away too much space from outdoor aquatics.
(Read more: Government & Politics News |)