Long Branch Lagoon

Dodge City, KS
Construction Cost: $14 million
Area / Square Feet: 3.6 acres
Occupancy Date: May 2016

Competition and entertainment

Site of both competitive swimming and recreational entertainment, Long Branch Lagoon hosts an eight-lane, 50-meter lap pool known as “The Ol’ Swimming Hole,” complete with diving, drop slides, a family slide and a climbing wall. Guests can ride the “Wrangler Rapids” wave pool integrated into an action-packed lazy river known as “Cowboy Creek,” or sunbathe on the raised sundeck, which hosts live entertainment for swim nights. For families with younger children, a large zero-depth-entry pool is equipped with a prairie-themed play structure and various-size sprays known as “Fort Splash.”

Western roots

Every detail — from building materials to signage, finishes and landscaping selections — was carefully considered during design. To begin their journey, patrons enter the facility through the brick bathhouse, and are welcomed by 582 feet of signature slides known as “Doc’s Plunge” and “The Gunslinger.” Custom-built rockscape waterfalls, found throughout, mimic the local limestone, and to further tie in with regional history, local citizens donated hand-painted signage, an original outhouse, a windmill and other items of Western décor positioned within the multiple landscape beds.

Operational savings

Long Branch Lagoon had a relatively large project budget, but its location dictated water conservation and operational savings. To help curb some of these operational costs, the pool is run with high-efficiency VFD pumps, defender filters that drastically reduce the amount of water typically needed when backwashing the system, as well as a ChlorKing NexGen chlorine generator, giving the city the freedom to produce its sanitation on site with readily available salt. Due to proximity of the historic district and a newly constructed hotel, the city wanted to be able to use the facility to host events within the park. Therefore, areas were designed for live entertainment sound and lighting.