The wading pool at the north end of Riverside Park has been hit by the rising waters of the Rock River. Seepage from has enter the pool and park official fear that it may delay the opening of the west side amenity.
JANESVILLE — Mother Nature is not cooperating with last year’s council decision to reopen Riverside Wading Pool.
The council last April voted to reopen the pool after it was closed in 2002 to save money.
The volunteer group Friends of Riverside Park convinced the majority to spend about $50,000 to offer an amenity to bring more people to what some consider the city’s most beautiful park.
But record flooding last year swamped the park and dashed hopes to open the pool in 2008.
And high water this year will at least delay this summer’s opening.
“If the high river and groundwater levels continue, it is unlikely we will be able to reopen the wading pool for the beginning of the aquatic season,” Jay Winzenz, director of administrative services, said.
Groundwater is high in the pit where pumps must be installed, and the storm sewer system is backing up. Because the pool has been closed, much of the piping must be replaced. But the pool itself has standing water.
Spring flooding is not unusual in Riverside Park, which hugs the Rock River. But things haven’t dried out since last year’s flood and the groundwater remains high.
“We have water in areas that normally we wouldn’t have water in,” Winzenz said. “It’s pushing up from the bottom as opposed to surface water coming in from the top.
“Were going to have to wait until that goes down to get in there and make the repairs.
“We’re going to get ready to go, and then it’s going to be waiting on Mother Nature. I don’t know when the water levels will drop enough to get in and do that work,” Winzenz said.
Floodwaters last year did not recede until fall.
Winzenz said he hopes the pool will open sometime this year.