CHILLICOTHE, MO — The Chillicothe City Council decided to move forward with a proposal to build a new waterpark structure at the locale of the existing Chillicothe Aquatics Center and increase costs from $2.5 million to $4.2 million. The proposal expands existing facilities by about 50 percent.
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Construction costs for the waterpark project are split into three categories:
Base — L.R. Addition for $1,680,000
Existing Pool Modifications — $1,575,000
Alternatives — (large family slide, an open flume slide) $313,500
Additional expenses cover survey costs, professional design fees and related expenses. Michael Fisher, the project manager for the new waterpark, describes new entrances where the current changing rooms and check-in counters are replaced with a vaulted center archway with crossed center slats, held up by pillars down each side. Patrons will enter changing rooms from inside the park, on the back side. This is expected to make admission a lot easier. A concession area will be moved to the north side.
There are numerous other changes and improvements. The diving area will cover 1,905 square feet; a climbing wall will be placed above the furthermost south pool wall, adjacent with the diving boards but within the same pool. A deeper pool will offer volleyball and basketball; an intermediate-depth area will be just for swimming. Portions of the facility will feature ADA accessible ramps. The total water surface area for Chilli Bay will be 12,351 square feet. Grass deck areas will be prevalent within the design.
Operation of the present facility is reported at an annual $30,000 loss. During 2011, attendance was 18,200 with expenses totaling $95,000 and revenue at $65,000. Once constructed, Chilli Bay’s maintenance is expected to be $188,945 annually but revenue is projected to be $190,300 annually. Season passes are expected to be as follows: $170 per family, $80 per individual, and $55 per punch pass. Daily passes will cost $4.50 for youth, $5.50 for adults, and $3 for seniors. Pool rental is priced at $200.
The council voted to proceed Monday, Aug. 13, to avoid spending maintenance dollars on the current facility next season. Demolition of the current facility will be performed this fall. Construction of the new Chilli Bay could begin in the spring of 2013.