Joanne's Aquatic Center slides deemed unsafe as repairs estimated at $75000

The Finance Committee of Green Bay convened on May 1, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding the Joannes Aquatic Center's aquatic slides, following a mandated inspection. The inspection, conducted by public works and park engineers, revealed structural concerns at the Joannes facility, while the Resch facility was found to be in satisfactory condition.

During the meeting, it was reported that a structural engineer was contracted to conduct a thorough investigation of the slides at Joannes. The findings indicated that the slides are currently unsafe for public use due to significant deterioration of the structural steel support columns and rust damage to the wing supports. The engineer recommended replacing a substantial number of these supports to ensure safety.

The committee discussed two primary options for addressing the issues: repairing the existing slides at an estimated cost of $75,000 or replacing them entirely, which could range from $1 million to $1.5 million depending on the number and height of the new slides. The committee noted that the public has expressed a strong desire for slides at the Joannes Aquatic Center, despite initial plans not including them in the proposed master plan.

In light of public feedback, the committee plans to incorporate the replacement of the slides into the upcoming master plan proposal, which will also include other improvements to the facility. A detailed phasing plan for these enhancements will be presented in the coming weeks. The meeting underscored the importance of ensuring the safety and satisfaction of the community regarding recreational facilities.