Waukee’s Proposed Aquatic Center: Yay or Nay?

Waukee has proposed a new 22,600-square-foot aquatic center (from waukee.org) for the growing Waukee community. Many residents have been traveling to surrounding cities for their pools, and the people of Waukee want to build a 33-million-dollar facility right next to the Sugar Creek Municipal Golf Course with the previously bought city property. The complex will take up around 5 to 10 acres of land for parking and amenities. The final concept of the space includes 4 pools and a splash pad. A lazy river, lap pool, dive pool, and kid’s pool are all included in the concept as well. On November 5, 2024, residents will vote to approve or deny a bond to pay for the center and if they agree, the building will commence in the fall of 2025 and potentially open in 2027.

This proposed property would have many lifeguard jobs each summer. Sophomore Anusha Adhikari worked as a lifeguard last summer and plans to next year. When asked about working at this new expansive facility compared to her more laidback experience at Des Moines Golf and Country Club, she said “Working at DMGCC was fun but I think working at a bigger center would be a better experience just because of the better opportunities offered working at a large complex.” And when Sophmore Taylor Libbie was asked about the training at the new center, she said, “I think it would be strict because of how big the space is so workers would have to extra prepare and train to always be on the lookout so nothing bad happens. My training probably wouldn’t compare to what the training would be at the aquatic center.” DMGCC offers a nice experience for high school students to work during the summer and help keep young kids safe while in the water.

The center would create around 50 to 60 lifeguard opportunities each summer for anyone to apply, but that isn’t the only position needing to be filled. People can work as admission workers, concession workers, or lifeguards in charge of first aid for swimmers. Lifeguards aren’t always required to sit in the lifeguard stand and watch the pool at the proposed center. The Human Resource department would work on the staffing for the complex, and the city of Waukee has filled all seasonal positions before so staffing isn’t an issue. So, do you think this addition to the community is needed?

Graphic courtesy of Water’s Edge Aquatic Design and the Waukee official website