Wyoming bought $1.8M hot-springs water park, may spend $1M to raze it
The state of Wyoming is considering spending up to $1 million to demolish the historic Star Plunge water park after purchasing it for $1.8 million. Inspections revealed severe structural and electrical issues that make renovation costs potentially prohibitive.
Why it matters
It illustrates the financial and logistical challenges state governments face when acquiring and managing aging public infrastructure.
For generations, Star Plunge has been part of the rhythm of Thermopolis, Wyoming, where tourists arrive for the mineral-rich waters of Hot Springs State Park and locals have watched the aging water park evolve around them. Now, the historic attraction has reached an uncertain turning point, after Wyoming spent nearly two years and $1.8 million to regain control of the property, the state may have to spend up to another $1 million simply to tear much of it down, states an online report by Cowboy State Daily. As per the report, the facility is facing serious electrical and structural problems, along with reported gas leaks and sagging support beams.
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