GI City Council Discusses Possible Improvements To Island Oasis

(Grand Island, NE) – The Grand Island City Council on Tuesday night held a study session conversion about the future of upgrades and improvements to the Island Oasis Water Park. The city worked with Waters Edge Aquatic Design to determine three improvement categories that would include significant, basic, and enhanced and significant. 

The items of the significant category have already been taken care of by the Parks and Recreation department. Some of the basic items would be to replace filters, pumps, and strainers. Increase backwash tank capacity. Cover chemicals. Concrete deck repair and replacement. Repair cracks and paint Lazy River. Replace speed slide tower railings. Remove sand areas. Replace concession stand equipment. The cost of the basic category would range from $2.2 million to $2.7 million dollars. 

Waters Edge Aquatic Design did recommend the enhanced and significant items listed to create a space for young kids and families which could include a childrens play area with a dedicated wave pool spot, splash pad, and put put golf area. On the north side, it was recommended to add a deep water diving area. The enhanced category in total could run the city $12 to $17.5 million dollars. 

Several council members talked about how area communities have added a new water park-like pool. Some to name: Wood River, Aurora, and Hastings. In 2002 the speed slides were added to Island Oasis. That year the facility saw 120,000 visitors. At that time Island Oasis was open later until 10pm and staffing wasn’t much of an issue. It was noted that this past summer was better with lifeguard numbers. Island Oasis saw a total of 42,000 visitors. 

All in all the council will have to decide on several things going forward. What updates need to be made? If any? Will it be beneficial to the city of Grand Island? Will more people come to Island Oasis if new things are added or will families continue to travel to smaller communities? Lastly, does the City of Grand Island have the funding to support any upgrades at all with several projects in the works now.