Water slide delayed until 2013 or beyond

McCOOK, Nebraska -- City staff informed members of the Parks Advisory Board, Thursday morning during their regular meeting at the Heritage Senior Center, that the proposed water slide at McCook Municipal Pool would be delayed at least until next year. The water slide was already on hold while a new manufacturer was found and then city staff discovered that state statutes required an engineering study to be completed.

Public Works Supervisor Dob Neuhaus said the city had hired an engineering firm to complete the study. The study is anticipated to answer many of the questions surrounding the project, such as whether the existing pumping system at the pool can handle the additional load of a water slide and what additional chlorination requirements will need to be met.

The McCook City Council approved $180,000 of sales tax dollars to be budgeted for the water slide in the 2011-12 budget.

The parks board also reviewed replacement options from the manufacturer of a recalled slide at Norris Park. The board chose recommending to City Council the selection of a replacement slide that could be installed as early as within the next 4 weeks.