Council denies $750,000 splash pad; asks staff to return with demolition and next steps

The Leawood Governing Body unanimously denied a staff proposal to waive bidding and enter a services agreement (not to exceed $750,000) to design and build a splash pad at the Leawood Aquatic Center on June 15.

Lede: Councilmember Julie Cain moved to deny both actions A and B related to the splash pad procurement, requesting staff return with demolition costs and next steps; the motion passed unanimously.

Nut graf: Members of the Parks & Recreation advisory committee had recommended deprioritizing the splash pad, citing other park priorities and usage concerns. Staff said the lowest qualified proposal came in just under $600,000 but explained that a $750,000 budget was used on the RFP to allow contingency and design flexibility. Council members voiced concerns about the price tag, potential redundancy with adjacent zero-depth pools, and the practice of waiving competitive bidding.

Details: Parks staff described the RFP and selection process and said the $750,000 figure included contingency in the contract ceiling. Council members who visited the site said the existing baby pools and zero-entry areas often have more use and argued that $750,000 did not represent a sound investment at this time. Some members suggested redirecting funds to other park needs. The motion to deny also included direction for staff to return with steps and cost estimates for demolishing the existing splash pad if the council decides to remove it later.

Quote: “$750,000 is a whole bunch of money,” Councilmembers said during debate; Councilmember Cain moved to deny the proposed actions and direct staff to present demolition options.

Outcome: Motion to deny actions A and B passed unanimously; denying the resolution does not, in itself, authorize demolition — council asked staff to report back on demolition logistics and costs before any physical work begins.