A key city council committee in Overland Park on Tuesday signed off on a plan to build a new regional pool in the southern part of the city, setting up a major reshuffle of how residents get their summer swim time. The move would retire two smaller neighborhood pools and advance pieces of the city’s Playbook OP parks plan, although the exact site for the new facility is still very much up in the air.
Under the proposal on the table, the Bluejacket property would be redeveloped as parkland, and Stonegate Pool would stay open only until it reaches the end of its useful life. The full city council is expected to take up the committee’s recommendation this fall.
What the committee actually approved
According to FOX4KC, the council committee voted to advance a package centered on building a single, larger regional aquatic facility in southern Overland Park. The motion does not choose a specific site but does spell out that both Bluejacket and Stonegate pools would close as part of a broader consolidation plan.
What happens to Bluejacket and Stonegate
Bluejacket Pool, a neighborhood fixture for more than fifty years, wrapped up its final outdoor season in 2024 after the city determined the facility had reached the end of its useful life and was losing significant amounts of water, according to KCTV. The city hosted a “Final Splash” as Bluejacket shut down, with officials pointing to chronic leaks and mounting maintenance needs that made repairs impractical.
Stonegate is still operating for now, but it is also on the clock. The city’s long-range Playbook OP plan has flagged Stonegate for either replacement or major investment once it, too, reaches the end of its service life, a detail outlined by The Kansas City Star.
Why the city wants fewer, bigger pools
City staff and the Playbook OP plan argue that consolidating into fewer, larger aquatic centers can expand access and programming while keeping operating costs in check, according to Playbook OP. The concept pairs a small number of destination-style regional facilities with a limited network of community pools and splash pads, aiming to balance walkability, amenities and long-term finances.
Public pushback and what comes next
Not everyone is thrilled about trading walkable neighborhood pools for a single, souped-up regional spot. Neighbors and advocacy groups have argued that places like Bluejacket served as vital community hubs and offered affordable, easy summer access close to home, according to The Kansas City Star.
Despite that pushback, the committee moved the consolidation plan ahead. FOX4KC reports that the full city council is expected to review the recommendation this fall, while staff continue to refine cost estimates and narrow down potential sites.
Residents who want to keep an eye on the process can find agendas, meeting videos and public comment sign-up forms on the city’s online portal and can subscribe for notifications or watch council deliberations through the City of Overland Park.
