A hotel and a challenge course are two developments that have expressed interest in the old pool site in Roeland Park.
The city has given each a letter of intent to confirm the interest in the property, but neither has been signed and returned at this point. A signed letter of intent would not preclude the city from exploring other options as well, Roeland Park City Administrator Keith Moody said.
The city currently is taking proposals to stabilize the limestone caves that were left after mining. That is a first step to get the property ready for development. The hotel is interested in the location at the top of the caves – which has approximately five acres available. The extreme sports challenge course is interested in the lower level which has about two acres available. The space was too small for a zip line course, but could accommodate a vertical structure that would create a challenge course. The difference between the top of the limestone down to the old pool deck is about 30 feet.
Moody said that the city would require the interested developer to tell the city the hotel brand that would occupy the site if negotiations get that far.
CBC Real Estate Group is marketing the property for the city and is still charged with seeking other options. A sand volleyball court and winter ice rink at the lower level are not off the table.
Development at upper level would necessitate finding a new home for the city’s public works building.