GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – With freezing temperatures in the area, it might be difficult to think about swimming, but discussion on the future of Joannes Aquatic Center is heating up.
As we first told you Monday, the city of Green Bay is considering major changes to the pool near East High School.
Green Bay Parks Director Dan Distcheit says something needs to be done to keep the 28-year-old Joannes Aquatic Center open to the public.
“These are not really wants, these are needs,” said Ditscheit.
The needs include replacing the pool’s filters, new plaster in the pool basin, fixing a leak in the surge tank and replacing the wooden tower for the slides.
The way the city approaches those needs depends on whether there is a desire to maintain the pool as is, or reimagine it with new features outlined in a $9.45 million master plan.
That plan includes possibilities for a lazy river, surf rider, mini golf and much more.
“A facility like this would not only be for the community, but I think it would really draw from the outside of the community,” said Green Bay Alderperson Ben Delie.
Ditscheit stresses the master plan is simply a compilation of ideas to stir up discussion, and it isn’t realistic to think everything will be done.
However, he says the time is now to decide what should be pursued, as $1.5 million of the maintenance needs are slated to be done in 2026.
For example, it might not be necessary to replace the wooden tower for the slides, as the master plan floats the idea of taking out the slides and replacing them with the surf rider.
“Our other aquatic center has slides, so do we need one at this aquatic center too?” said Ditscheit. “Or do you create two very different aquatic centers so that you can tailor your visit to which one fits your family the best?”
Ditscheit says about 15 people at neighborhood meeting provided early feedback they were against putting in the surf rider but were indifferent on taking out the slides — only saying they would want something to replace the slides if they are taken out.
Another possibility in the master plan is creating a wading pool with splash pad features that could allow part of the aquatic center to be open in spring and fall. It could be paired with new additions like mini golf, a giant trampoline and a pedal go-kart track.
“I love the idea of extending it into spring and fall so we can get more use out of it,” said Green Bay Alderperson Chris Wery.
The next step is to come up with a way to collect feedback on what the community wants and then city staff will devise a more realistic plan for the pool.
Maintaining lifeguards has been an issue for city pools in recent summers. Ditscheit says any plan will either maintain current lifeguard levels or call for fewer.
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