How many lazy rivers does Johnson County need? New community centers controversial

Inside Lenexa’s new, resplendent recreation center, couples play pickleball, kids zoom through water slides and parents float down the lazy river.

The $35.5 million Lenexa Rec Center opened two years ago, and so far, center manager John Forbis said, it’s exceeded expectations. More members are signing up to swim, take classes and sweat through workouts. And the center is hosting more events, Forbis said, including around 20 birthday parties each weekend.

Now other cities throughout Johnson County are looking to build their own shiny, new fun palaces. But with taxpayers often footing a large chunk of the bill, the projects have come with their own controversies. And those who haven’t hopped on the bandwagon yet are starting to wonder whether they should.

(Read more: Joco 913 News)