Design team prepares plans for Northern Middle School water park renovation

The Town Council of Chesapeake Beach convened on April 10, 2025, to discuss the future of the local water park, focusing on exploratory work necessary for potential renovations. The meeting began with a presentation outlining the current status of the water park, which has been in operation for over 30 years and is considered to be past its optimal lifespan.

A key agenda item was the proposal to assemble a design team, which is nearly complete, and to hire a local civil engineer familiar with the county's regulations. This engineer will play a crucial role in assessing the existing structure and determining the necessary permits for any renovation work. The team aims to conduct exploratory demolition to evaluate the condition of the foundation and ensure it can support future developments.

The council discussed the timeline for these efforts, with the possibility of reopening the water park by May or June of the following year, contingent on obtaining the required permits. The civil engineer will also develop a budget model based on the findings from the exploratory work, which is expected to take approximately 9 to 10 weeks to complete.

During the meeting, council members expressed concerns about the costs associated with the exploratory work, estimated at not exceeding $60,000. A motion was made to authorize this expenditure, which received support from several council members. However, some members emphasized the need for further discussion regarding the overall project scope and budget before proceeding.

The conversation also touched on the challenges posed by the water park's location on a former dredged site, which complicates construction efforts. Despite these challenges, the council remains committed to exploring options for either renovating the existing facility or potentially constructing a new water park that meets contemporary standards.

In conclusion, the council's discussions highlighted a proactive approach to revitalizing the water park, with plans to move forward with exploratory work pending approval of the budget. The next steps will involve finalizing the design team and civil engineer, conducting the necessary assessments, and developing a comprehensive budget for the project.