UNIVERSITY CITY, Mo. — University City parents will once again have a summer hangout spot for the kids. It comes nearly two years after massive flooding damaged parts of the area.
University City's community building, known as Centennial Commons, is home to the pool and located inside Heman Park. All three areas were hit hard by historic flooding in July 2022.
The basement of Centennial Commons and the indoor soccer field were filled with flood waters. The pool had so much damage it was almost unrecognizable.
Thankfully though, just in time for summer, the area is almost fully ready for families to enjoy!
For the first time in two years, the lap pool is open and swimming lessons are available at the pool. Other repairs include the indoor soccer field, weight room, the softball and baseball fields at Heman Park and the Central Garage Complex.
Certain areas still need a little more time to get fully fixed, including the gym floor, which city leaders said would be ready in August.
Darin Girdler, University City's parks and public works director, said finishing the repairs was necessary.
"It's probably the community's heaviest public use building when it's fully operational, and it's just been with COVID and then the historic flood of this building, it's just had a one, two knockouts and we're back on our feet and we're getting ready to open up full-blown," he said.
Many UCity residents 5 On Your Side spoke to believe this should've been done quicker, especially since the area is so heavily used by everyone.
Markus Johnson is one of the many people who use Heman Park daily. He said the area is vital for his community, especially for children.
"We always try to do what's right for the kids and maintain a positive attitude and have them have something to look forward to that are positive examples," he said.
Johnson said the wait wasn't too bad for the repairs and all he cares about is that the repairs were done well.
5 On Your Side asked city leaders why the repairs took nearly two years. Girdler said the city's been working with FEMA since 2022 and everything from the paperwork to damage assessment to the reimbursement process takes a while.
"We certainly understand the frustration of our residents and we thank them for their patience and understanding," he said.
You can see more about the repairs completed here.
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