The flooding at the Roundhouse this past June and July was a major concern for our district and the broader McPherson community, as it resulted in the gym floor being damaged and requiring replacement. Since then, USD 418 has worked with engineers, architects, and City officials to identify the causes and, most importantly, the steps needed to prevent it from happening again. Thanks to the vigilance of staff, the Roundhouse has remained dry during subsequent rains.
USD 418 partnered with inCite Design Studios (iDS) and Kaw Valley Civil Engineering to study the Bull Creek and McPherson Dry Turkey Creek watersheds and review detailed weather data from this summer’s storms. Their analysis showed:
- The first flood that entered the Roundhouse was a 200-year flood event.
- The next flood was a back-to-back 100-year and 50-year event.
These events were the result of extraordinary rainfall and storm development patterns, not the athletic track and field added to the property in 2022. In fact, the field helps by slowing water before it reaches the floodway.
Together, iDS and Kaw Valley have recommended a series of flood mitigation steps, including:
- Upsizing the detention pond onsite to increase water capacity during large storms.
- Further testing the pump system in the detention pond to confirm it can handle heavy water flow.
- Reviewing structural changes to elevate doorways and add a temporary barrier until more significant dirt work can be completed.
- Continuing monitoring and evaluation to ensure solutions remain effective over time.
The Board of Education is committed to addressing these mitigation measures so the community can be confident that future flooding risks are reduced while also considering options for a new gym floor. The Board will resume its conversation on how best to move forward during the Monday, September 15, 2025 regular board meeting. The district will continue to keep the community updated as progress is made.
Board Action Timeline
- June 18, 2025 - Severe storm (200-year flood event) causes damage to the Roundhouse gym floor, resulting in need for replacement.
- July 14, 2025 - Regularly Scheduled Board Meeting - Board approved replacement of the Roundhouse gym floor following initial damage.
- July 22, 2025 - Severe storms (100-year and 50-year flood events) caused additional flooding into the Roundhouse and prompted closer site review.
- August 11, 2025 - Regularly Scheduled Board Meeting - Board voted to pause the floor replacement project until civil engineering recommendations could be received.
- September 8, 2025 – Special Board Meeting - Kaw Valley Engineers, in partnership with inCite Design Studios (iDS), presented recommendations for detention pond expansion and drainage improvements; Board discussion followed.
- September 15, 2025 – Board will resume discussion on how to best move forward, including flood mitigation and gym floor replacement.