Memorial Park is located in the Kansas City, Mo., suburb of Belton. It opened in 1947, and the design team on this project was commissioned to complete a master plan for renovation of the entire park. One element of that plan was the replacement of the existing rectangular pool. The community overwhelmingly approved a property tax measure to support the project, and more than 1,000 residents attended on opening day.
Belton Parks and Recreation administrators envisioned a high-impact waterpark with modern amenities serving all ages. Features include a two-story tower with speed and tube slides, a basketball and volleyball pool, a floating obstacle course supported by palm trees, zero-entry access with an interactive play structure, a baby bungee and a lazy river that meanders throughout the entire facility.
The pool deck is heavily furnished with comfortable lounge chairs, tables and shade structures, and the water park is illuminated, making the adjacent party deck a popular nighttime spot.
The historic bathhouse was reconstructed utilizing as much of the existing building as possible. The building’s design includes the use of timber framing, stone columns and a standing-seam metal roof. For consistency, these materials are being used throughout other new developments in Memorial Park.
