Commission approves boathouse permit

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

The Lawrence City Commission approved a special use permit for the Kansas Rowing boathouse Tuesday night. The approval moved the rowing team a step closer to having their own facility.

The special use permit would allow a boathouse to be built in Burcham Park, located at 2nd and Indiana streets near the Kansas River. The proposed building would include boat storage, locker rooms, and workout areas for the women’s rowing team.

The approval didn’t come without concern about the environmental impact of the boathouse. During public comment, concerns of the proposed boathouse included damage to the trees and wildlife such as migratory birds, light pollution, and the use of non-pervious concrete.

Lisa Grossman, Lawrence resident, said she supported the rowing team, but thought the boathouse would alter the character of the park. She said it was one of the less developed parks in Lawrence, and the only cottonwood forest in the city.

Treanor Architects

KU Boathouse

Susan Iversen, member of Jayhawk Audubon Society, said her organization was in favor of a new boathouse for the rowing team, but they didn’t think the park was the right place for the boathouse.

“We should be expanding this forest,” Iversen said. “Not chopping it down.”

Andrew Pitts, an architect for Treanor Architects said the University would work with Lawrence Parks and Recreation through all steps of construction to minimize the impact the project would have on the park.

Commissioner Mike Dever questioned the use of non-pervious concrete material in the park.

“I wonder if there is something less impacting on the eyes and nature,” Dever said.

Pitts said the goal of the University was to protect the trees and not cause more damage than necessary for construction. He said only nine existing trees would be affected, and two additional light poles would be added. Pitts said pervious concrete would not hold up to extreme cold and thawing. He said the non-pervious concrete would provide the best product for the program and maintenance.

Commissioners approved the special use permit, but agreed the construction should work closely with Lawrence Parks and Recreation, and the city horticulturist.

“I don’t think we should hold up the process,” Dever said. “But we need to consider it in a different way because it is a park.”

Rowing team member Alia Bober, Parsons senior, said the new building would be beneficial for the team members and recruitment.

“It would be great to actually have a home rather than just a dropping point,” Bober said.

She said she followed the plans from the beginning and helped push for the 2006 student fee referendum to help pay for the boathouse. She said the team was ecstatic about progress toward the new boathouse.

“Anytime Rob says something everyone gets a really big smile on their face,” Bober said.

Coach Rob Catloth said the permit would definitely set things in motion. He said the team had seen computer images of the proposed boathouse and couldn’t wait to have their own facility.

Catloth said the boathouse would give the team and the program a boost.

“I think when it is finished it could definitely be one of the nicest boathouses in the Big 12,” Catloth said.

Through a student fee referendum passed in spring 2006, students will fund $4 million for the boathouse project.

—Edited by Luke Morris

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