OTTUMWA —
Based on my understanding from information previously published in the Ottumwa Courier, the addition of the Lazy River would not require an “expansion” of the area but would fit inside the current location. Therefore, no trees would need to be removed in Sycamore Park. The trees inside The Beach would need to be removed or relocated. Pool filtration systems and trees that lose their leaves, like Sycamore trees, don’t typically mix well. So the concern over the loss of “green space” would be minimal.
Two nearby communities already offer “lazy rivers” in their pools — Grinnell and Pella. This is Grinnell’s third summer with a lazy river as a part of their local pool. The “river” is open an hour before the water park’s general opening to allow for walking in the river the opposite direction of the current for a resistance work-out. Pella offers the same in their “adventure river.” Grinnell also offers a discounted entry price for anyone using alternate transportation to the pool other than a car, such as walking, riding a bike, etc. What a great idea for The Beach considering the location is already on the Ottumwa Trail System and bicycle racks are about to be added to Ottumwa Transit Authority buses. When the Lazy River is added to The Beach, hopefully, the walking and exercise benefits will be considered for patrons as well.
Since the Lazy River could provide added health benefits, let’s consider creative funding sources. Would it be possible for our community as a designated “Blue Zone” to qualify for grants to help fund the Lazy River? Would our local hospital, which is now “for profit,” be willing to donate funds to support healthy initiatives in our community? What about the Legacy Foundation and their various grants to support community development? Other than boasting lazy rivers as a part of their water parks, Grinnell and Pella both have colleges as a part of their communities. I’m sure our Parks Board has been in touch with Pella and Grinnell to find out how those communities funded their local water parks including the lazy rivers.
As a proponent of The Beach Ottumwa, and frequent visitor to pools and water parks beyond our community, I am excited about the possibility of a lazy river component being added to our local water park.
Jody Williams
Ottumwa
Letters to the Editor
July 17, 2012
Combine lazy river, trees and health benefits
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