McPHERSON, Kan. — An update on the Roundhouse floor situation at McPherson High School at last night’s USD 418 Board of Education meeting raised a lot more questions than provided answers, leading to an extended discussion that ended with the Board voting to pause all repair work until additional information is obtained.
At the start of this review it was confirmed additional water came into the Roundhouse from a second very heavy rain event last month after the June 18 flooding that destroyed the gym floor. The district is working with Kaw Valley Engineering, along with MKEC which had done a city-wide hydrologic survey of the city a few years ago to look at various mitigation options, among which was looking at expanding an existing detention pond.
A full-site study may be done, and this could look at what impact the new athletic field at MHS might have had on the situation Board President Laura Vanderhoof brought the field impact, though it must be noted this involves two flood events exceeding 100 year flood expectations in the span of around a month
The discussion also touched on other issues around the community during the June 18 story that dumped upwards of ten inches of rain in the McPherson area, and the second event last month that brought at least another five inches or so. One comment was made that the only real solution to drainage issues is to build a reservoir that would reduce the amount of water flowing into McPherson from the north.
Questions were also raised about impact on sports and other activities using the Roundhouse, where some classrooms adjoining it have been vacated as a safety precaution. In this regard, the idea was raised about possibly using a temporary floor, something along the lines of what is used at venues such as Tony’s Pizza Event Center in Salina.
Board member Bill Grove recommended this option be looked at, and cost estimates on this course of action are being obtained, whether one is purchased outright or rented until the district has a better handle on what they are facing.
Board members were of a general consensus they do not have enough information right now to determine what the best course of action would be. Board member Chelsea Busch also asked whether the Roundhouse is worth saving.
It is anticipated the board will have a special meeting prior to their next regular meeting on Sept. 15 to look at this further.
