Save the SMESL and its prairie. Build the aquatic & fitness center somewhere else.

  • by: Kelley Ahrens
  • recipient: Registered voters in the Shawnee Mission School District, OP KS

Attention Registred voters in the Shawnee Mission School District:

SMSD wants to build the proposed aquatic and fitness center on part of the Shawnee Mission Enviornmental Science Lab (SMESL).  This would eliminate the prairie altering the biodiversity of the SMESL and threatening plant and animal life.  Students would no longer be able to experience the grasslands for themselves during Environmental Ed or take 2nd graders on tours through the prairie

Traffic flow in and out of a site at 107th and Nall will only add to the congestion, and make traffic in and out of SM South more difficult.  Fitness centers typically have heavy use in the morning as people work out before going to work.  This will be the same time South students are trying to get into school.

Water run off from buildings and parking lots on this site could add to the flooding of Indian Creek.  The bottom of the SMESL is already in a flood zone per the City of Overland Park's Flood Plain Info  Site

Update #49 years ago
Thank you to all who signed, the school district will NOT be building the aquatic center on SMESL land but next to the football stadium instead. Appreciate all the support in saving the SMESL!
Update #39 years ago
You are having an impact! Per an article in the PV Post, Superintendent, Dr. Hinson is willing to pay for architects to determine if it is feasible to build on the south end of the stadium before the bond issue goes to a vote.
Update #29 years ago
Info from PTA mtg with Dr. Hinson: Location of aquatic center will not be determined prior to vote. YMCA prefers SMESL location due to high visibility at 107 & Nall. Other possible locations: NW corner of campus off Lamar; part of stadium redesign; south side of stadium. If aquatic center goes in on SMESL it will be accessed from 107 St. Size of center would be 35,000 sq. feet (don't know size of parking lot). SMS will not close in the future if the aquatic center does not go in there.
Update #19 years ago
Dr. Hinson will be at the SM South PTA meeting on Wed, Nov 5th at 7pm in the library so if you have questions regarding the districts plans please consider attending. You can also let Dr. Hinson jimhinson@smsd.org and the school board boe@smsd.org know of your questions and concerns.

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