June 9, 2023 |
Photo – Hobo Hot Pools – Bigfoot99 file photo
The Saratoga town council this week considered when to reopen the Hobo Hot Springs, which have been closed because of high waters.
Winter snowfall and resulting spring runoff produced near-overflow conditions along the North Platte River in the town. Because of high water, Saratoga officials closed the pool at the hot springs. The pools empty into the North Platte. With the water level so high, the thermally heated springs are unable to flow into the river. Early last month, the town decided to close the hot pools until the river recedes.
At Tuesday’s Saratoga town council meeting, Councilwoman Kathy Beck said she has been contacted by local business owners saying the closure of the popular tourist attraction has cost them money. Councilwoman Beck said she and others have used the Hobo Hot Springs during previous floods. Beck asked her fellow councilmembers to allow people to use the springs again.
Mayor Chuck Davis said Streets Department Supervisor John Lasco made the call to keep the hot pools closed. Mayor Davis asked Saratoga Police Chief Mike Morris to visit the springs and determine if they appeared safe enough to open.
Mayor Davis, Chief Morris, and Streets Supervisor Lasco surveyed the Hobo Hot Springs this week following the council meeting. Mayor Davis said the smaller pool would open Friday afternoon or, at the latest, by the weekend. Unfortunately, the mayor said the North Platte was still too high to safely open the larger pool.
The Hobo Hot Springs is a major draw for both tourists and Saratoga residents. Their closure is felt by the entire community. For safety, town officials said the North Platte River must continue to recede before the pools will be fully reopened. The shower and restroom facilities will be opened at the same time as the small pool.
