Woodland Park City Council decides on location for aquatic center

Woodland Park City Council decided on the location of a voter-approved aquatic center at Thursday night’s city council meeting.

City Council reached a decision around midnight. It chose the Woodland Station in downtown.

Almost every seat was filled during Thursday night’s meeting as people waited to voice their opinion about the center.

City leaders have had their sights set on an aquatic center for more than 20 years. However, in 2010 voters shot it down because the plan was to increase property taxes to pay for the center.

The issue went back on November’s ballot. This time, voters were asked to increase the city’s bond debt to pay for the center.

Close to 70 percent of voters approved of the ballot measure.

While voters approved of the idea, it was up to city council to decide on a location.

City council members looked at four locations. Council member Joel Sawyer said everyone initially assumed the aquatic center would be built on a vacant lot that makes up the Woodland Park Station. It’s off of Highway 24 in downtown Woodland Park.

The land will cost almost $500,000, compared to another location that was under consideration that would be sold to the city for $10.

The debate centered essentially around two locations: Woodland Park Station and Meadow Wood Sports Complex.

Sawyer said council members have received phone calls from concerned citizens all week who want to weigh in on possible locations.

Construction is expected to be completed in late 2016.