Tonganoxie council authorizes 2025 temporary lease for Tidal Waves swim team at city waterpark

The Tonganoxie City Council on May 5 authorized a temporary-use lease allowing the Tonganoxie Tidal Waves swim team to use the city waterpark for the 2025 season.

City staff said the season runs May 27 to June 27 and includes two home meets. "This year's season runs from May 27 to June 27 with 2 meets," City staff member Porter said, and staff estimated about "54 hours" of rental time, "totaling 84 hours with required lifeguards," with three lifeguards scheduled for meet hours. Porter told the council staff checked the event dates against other city events, including Tongi Days on June 14, and found no scheduling conflicts.

Mayor David Fries opened the item and accepted a motion by Councilmember McCutcheon to authorize the waterpark manager to execute the lease agreement with Gretchen Meitler, lead organizer for the Tonganoxie Tidal Waves. Councilmember Dale seconded the motion; the council voted in favor and the motion carried. The council did not record individual roll-call votes in the public discussion.

The lease follows the format used in prior years and, according to staff, contains no major changes. Staff said there were volunteers who help run the program and that organizers budget a full morning for home meets and morning practice blocks. No additional conditions or objections from the police, fire or public works departments were raised during the meeting.

The council’s action authorizes the waterpark manager to finalize the agreement; the lease execution was described as an administrative step rather than a change in program scope.