BOLIVAR, Mo. -- The kid-friendly fountains are flowing, the water in the blue slide is gushing, and the pools are all filled up. After a long wait for City of Bolivar taxpayers, the new $6 million Bolivar Aquatic Center finally is almost complete. The center, located at the YMCA, opens Saturday.
"I understand its been something that's been a frustration for the citizens of bolivar, and I share their frustration," said Bolivar City Administrator Darin Chappell.
The pool was first scheduled to be open in September 2011. An independent engineer for the City of Bolivar said the concrete in the aquatic center was poured incorrectly, causing it to crack. The engineer recommended a total redo of the cracked concrete for safety and durability, but the city opted to simply fill the cracks for a quicker opening date.
"I know it's been a long time coming for some people, but thankfully it's here now," said Andrea Brown, a Bolivar resident and mother of four.
The new aquatic center features a splash zone for small children, a 30-foot-tall slide, and volleyball, basketball, and rock climing areas for older children. The pool is also designed to be accessible for senior citizens and people with disabilities.
The pool will be administered by the Bolivar YMCA staff and will cost $5 for Polk County residents and $6 for non-residents. It will be free for all YMCA members.
