Click the video above to see the City staff unveiling the new outdoor aquatic center at Excelsior Springs Community Center (video S Jason Cole).
Excelsior Springs, MO – The Excelsior Springs Community Center proudly announced the grand opening of its state-of-the-art outdoor aquatic center on Saturday (June 17, 2023), a stunning addition to the city’s recreational offerings. This new facility promises to make a big splash among residents and visitors alike, featuring a competition-level 8-lane swimming pool that will undoubtedly attract swimmers of all levels and also provide a welcoming space for families and individuals to enjoy outdoor aquatic activities in a safe and beautiful environment. The pool officially opens to the public at Noon on Tuesday, June 20, 2023.
The six-million-dollar project, which broke ground last July, was completed in under a year after months of meticulous planning, and like the Community Center itself, it promises to redefine the standards of recreational excellence in the region. At the heart of this impressive facility lies the competition-level 8-lane swimming pool designed with top-of-the-line technology and features.
“The Excelsior Springs Community Center has always been dedicated to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for our residents,” said Excelsior Springs City Manager Molly McGovern. “With the addition of this exceptional outdoor aquatic center, we are raising the bar even higher. Our community now has a top-notch facility that will not only allow our school to form a competitive swim team but also provide a welcoming space for families and individuals to enjoy outdoor aquatic activities in a safe and beautiful environment.”
In addition to the competition pool, the new outdoor aquatic center offers several amenities designed to cater to the needs of all age groups. A diving board, climbing wall, and aquatic obstacle course will provide endless fun for families, while a dedicated splash pad area ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for young children. A removable dome will allow the pool to be used throughout the year.
Nate Williams, Molly McGovern, and Jesse Hall address the crowd of City staff and their families (photos Courtney Cole).
Instead of a ribbon, Jesse Hall cut a pool rope to signal the official opening of the new outdoor space (photos S Jason Cole).
To celebrate the grand opening, the Community Center hosted a special event and ribbon cutting this weekend. Those involved in the project’s development and completion had an opportunity to speak to the crowd of staff and families who had gathered.
Jesse Hall, the project manager for Phase II of the Excelsior Springs Community Center, took the stage to address the audience, sharing his personal connection to the project and expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the community. With 38 years of experience working in Excelsior Springs, both in the school district and with the city, Hall reflected on the journey that led to the center’s development.
After the speeches were done Nate Williams led the crew into the pool (photos Courtney Cole).
Hall began by acknowledging his involvement in the early stages of the project, dating back to 1987 when he served on a committee tasked with starting a new community center alongside Molly McGovern who now serves as City Manager. The Community Center finally opened its doors almost seven years ago on Halloween 2013.
Hall emphasized the core values that guided their vision for the center, including safety, quality, fiscal responsibility, and simplicity. He commended the staff, led by Nate Williams, for their exceptional work and continued dedication to the development of the Community Center. Hall also made sure to recognize the collaborative efforts with partners such as the Excelsior Springs School District which donated the land for the Community Center and the Excelsior Springs Hospital, which has helped to drive the center’s growth, leading to an impressive membership count of 6,800.
Molly McGovern, spoke acknowledging the community’s long-standing dream of a community center and credited Hall for turning that dream into reality. She recognized the partnership and collaborative spirit that made the project successful, thanking the citizens of Excelsior Springs for their commitment.
Mark Spohn, the Mayor of Excelsior Springs, then addressed the audience, offering his perspective on the Community Center’s development. He acknowledged the citizens’ commitment, demonstrated through a one-cent sales tax which provided the funding for the center. Spohn praised the workmanship of contractors and subcontractors and acknowledged the contributions of Molly McGovern and the city staff in bringing the project forward.
Nate Williams, the Parks and Recreation and Community Center Director, concluded the speeches, expressing his gratitude to the city officials, contractors, and staff who played a crucial role in making the project a success. He acknowledged the ongoing responsibility to maintain and care for the facility and emphasized the community’s continuous growth and future plans for expansion saying there has already been talk of “what’s next?”
Both Hall and WIlliams made special points to thank their families for their support and understanding during this important project. “My family has been a huge help through this,” said Williams who admitted he put in several 60+ hour work weeks. “But to have them here enjoying the pool with me today it really means a lot, it brings it all together.” Hall thanked the community for the support of his family as they struggled with an illness and gave special credit to his wife Susan whose tireless effort allowed him to focus on his work with the Community Center. “this last year has been fabulous, but it’s also been a situation of trying concern we had a family member that had a brain tumor. Almost a year ago today my wife retired to take care of the kids and to take care of our family,” he said. “She’s allowed me to give back so much and she doesn’t want any credit, but she is one of the many reasons that this city is so strong, a true Village of Vitality.”
Crystal clear waters await the citizens of Excelsior Springs (photos Courtney Cole).
Due to a shortage of lifeguards, Williams said the Community Center has made the decision to adjust its operations temporarily. Starting immediately, the indoor pool will be open to the public until noon each day, ensuring adequate lifeguard coverage. From noon until closing time, the lifeguards will then be relocated to the newly opened outdoor aquatic center. Williams acknowledged that the situation is not ideal, but they need to hire approximately 10 to 12 additional lifeguards to fully staff both pools. He added that they are actively seeking qualified individuals to join their team and encouraged anyone interested to apply.
With the opening of the outdoor aquatic center at the Excelsior Springs Community Center, a new chapter begins for the community. This remarkable facility represents the perseverance, dedication, and vision of countless individuals who worked tirelessly for decades to make it a reality.
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How much does a lifeguard get paid and where do we apply?
Anywhere from $12 to $18 per hour depending on experience and certifications, is what we were told. Applications can be picked up at the front desk of the community center or https://www.es-prcc.com/job-openings
What is the price to use the pool?