April 11, 2008 - Vol. 36 Issue 12
City-Wide Improvements
Scheduled To Begin In Spring
By Bethany Wolverton, sr.
Feature Editor
A variety of city improvements are on the rise. Debated plans
for Humboldt City improvements involve the swimming pool, an additional baseball
field, additions to the North and South parks, and roadwork around the high
school.
Improvements will be discussed April 17 at 6 p.m., during a community conversation
meeting at the Community Fieldhouse.
Possible pool improvements could include construction to the filter system
and new additions to the swimming pool such as an ADA shower unit, a zero-entry
pool, and youth water equipment. A sand volleyball court, playground, picnic
tables, and new landscaping will be added on the south side of the pool.
“
The existing swimming pool is approximately fifty years old,” said
Jeremy Weilert, city council member. “Chanute and Iola are both in
situations where their pools got to the point where it was too costly to
repair. They are going to have to build new facilities which could cost close
to a million dollars. We don’t want to get to that point.”
Swimming pool construction funds will be paid for by a one-fourth cent sales
tax increase if approved by a city-wide vote on June 3.
“
Even with a one-fourth sales tax increase, the sales tax in the city of Humboldt
will still be in line with other communities in this area,” Weilert
said. “If the vote does pass, the sales tax increase consumers will
see on each purchase will be negligible. If you spend $1000, your increased
tax will only be $2.50.”
A meeting about the pool’s improvement plan will be held at the Humboldt
Plaza on May 4 at 6 p.m. If the vote rules in favor of the sales tax increase,
then the city will close the pool in September and re-open in 2009.
The Friends of the Humboldt City Swimming Pool, a group sponsor of the swimming
pool improvement plan, would like volunteers to pass out pool information. If
interested in volunteering contact Weilert or the City Hall.
In addition to possible pool improvements, the City of Humboldt is buying land
near the Sweat/Manion ballfields to add another youth ballfield and improve parking.
The city will be asking for donations and voluntary help to improve the area.
North Park and South Park/Camp Hunter will be receiving new recreational activity
areas this spring, including a frisbee golf course and horseshoe pit. Both will
be paid for through donations.
A revenue reserve gathered by state fuel tax will help pay for roadwork around
the high school. The city plans to widen the streets and add a pedestrian sidewalk.
Road construction will begin this summer.
“
The city needs to do away with the one-way streets and add parking around the
new gym so it won’t be so congested during the games,” said Andrew
Honas, jr.
| What students think about possible city improvements. ROAD WORK “ I think that there is too much traffic before and after school. The street conditions are bad and need fixed,” said Kassidy Young, so. PARK ADDITIONS “ I think the new park additions will attract more people from other towns; we need more stuff to do here in town,” said Josh Jay, fr. “ The frisbee golf course and horse shoe pit are cool, but I would like to see more additions that would apply to teenagers, such as, a basketball court or skate park,” said Channing Sallee, so. ADDITIONAL BASEBALL FIELD “ I think that another baseball field would be a great opportunity for youth recreation because now both high school teams and recreational teams have a place to play,” said Erica Webb, jr.
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