Lawrence Resumes Aquatic Center Renovation Work
Construction on the Lawrence Outdoor Aquatic Center and Tennessee Street stormwater project continues as paving nears completion.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Home Renovation
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Construction has resumed on the Lawrence Outdoor Aquatic Center renovation, while Tennessee Street stormwater and road paving is nearing completion. One newly paved lane between Sixth and Ninth streets opened earlier this week, and crews are repaving the other lane.
Why it matters
The city discovered an old stormwater tunnel ran beneath the structurally failing pool, requiring a change to plans for rerouting the storm sewer through Watson Park. The work affects residents who use the pool and drive Tennessee Street.
Tennessee Street paving is expected to be finished by Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, with some minor closures to follow for manhole cover work. The pool renovation is on track to finish by May 2027, though the exact cause of the paving delays has not been detailed.
The players
City of Lawrence
The municipal government of Lawrence, Kansas, overseeing the aquatic center renovation and the Tennessee Street stormwater project.
The details
The pool's first renovation phase improved the locker rooms and main entrance before the summer swim season. Work on the old stormwater tunnel involved filling it in after the new storm sewer was completed on the south side of Seventh Street.
Timeline
Last year (2025): City discovered the old tunnel passed under the failing pool.
2025: Tennessee Street construction began as part of the Jayhawk Watershed stormwater project.
July 2026: Most recent Tennessee Street work began.
Nov. 12, 2026: Expected completion of Tennessee Street paving.
May 2027: Pool renovation expected to be finished.
Season Trajectory
The Tennessee Street work forms part of the Jayhawk Watershed stormwater project that began in 2025 and continues to reshape the city's drainage network. The aquatic center's plan change shows how aging underground infrastructure can force revisions to already-funded public facility upgrades.
Drivers on Tennessee Street between Sixth and Ninth streets should expect lane shifts and minor closures until paving wraps up. Pool users can expect the renovated locker rooms and entrance already in place, with the full facility scheduled for May 2027.
The takeaway
Residents planning around Tennessee Street or the aquatic center should check city updates ahead of the November paving deadline and the 2027 pool reopening timeline.
What happens next
Tennessee Street paving is expected to finish by Nov. 12, 2026, and a new basketball court is likely to be installed next spring.
Further reading
Explore more local projects in our Home Renovation coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by LJWorld.
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