Dodge City residents became personally invested in the property, with one community group lobbying for a wave pool and the local swim team advocating for an 8-lane, 50-meter lap pool, rather than the short course lap pool that was originally planned. City commissioners relented, but had to give up some features.
In light of the city’s history – and the fact it would be located just south of Wyatt Earp Blvd. -- a western/prairie theme was a given. Even the name of the park is a play off the Long Branch Saloon, famous for its shoot-outs, gunfights and standoffs.
Community members donated historic items such as this wooden wagon for a sense of history and authenticity.
The artificial rock was constructed to match a local variety of limestone.
The facility was a team effort. When a nearby Corp of Engineers storm water-detention basin had to be relocated to accommodate the pool – a $2 million addition to the budget – the city took care of moving utilities. The city also purchased some of the deck items, to spare a contractor’s markup fee.
A 721-foot lazy river path passes through the wave pool.
