New aquatic park proves to be popular
The new Hays Aquatic Park opened June
1 to a throng of eager kids of all ages and has been going strong
ever since.
Located at Fourth and Main, the new park
offers considerably more than its predecessor, the Hays Municipal
Pool, including:
l A heated competition pool with
eight 50-meter lanes and a diving area.
l A heated leisure pool covering
8,580 surface feet of water with two zero-depth entry areas.
l A 580-foot lazy river and lagoon
area.
l A 38-foot straight slide wide
enough to allow several people to slide together, and a 140-foot
corkscrew slide.
l Several shade areas and decking.
l Fountains, water spraying toys
and a sand play area.
l Hot dogs, popcorn and frozen drinks
are just some of the tasty treats available in the park´s
concession area.
In 1998, Hays voters approved a three-year,
half-cent sales tax to pay for the $4.2 million pool project.
With bond interest included, the complex is expected to cost
around $4.8 million.
The old pool, which opened in 1937, leaked
considerably, despite repair efforts, and did not provide accessibility.
Diving was limited because of the water depth, and the pool was
not large enough for competitive meets.
The old pool closed in September 1998,
and construction took place through 1999 and the spring of this
year.
In an effort to retain the history of
old pool, the native stone bathhouse was renovated, and the old
lettering was restored and retained.
A stone marker also was placed in front
of the new park noting that the bathhouse was constructed through
the Depression-era Works Progress Administration.
The old pool averaged about 300 visitors
per day, but expectations are high that the new facility will
see triple that number this year.
Season passes can be purchased at the
Hays Recreation Center office at 1105 Canterbury. The HRC manages
the city´s swimming pools.
The Hays Aquatic Park officially opened
June 1, 2000.
The grand opening celebration held June
17 featured tours of the park, free swimming, a street dance
and a classic car caravan.
Members of the Hays Pool Task Force,
which helped plan the park, took part in a ceremonial pouring
of water taken from the old pool into the new pool.
Also available are season passes, which
will gain admittance to all four Hays pools.
Cost of the passes is $100 for an individual,
or for a family up to four, plus $25 per each additional person
in the family. A kids club pass for any three youth 17 and under
also is available for $65; more youth can be added to that pass
for $25 each.
Passes can be purchased at the Hays Recreation
Center, 1105 Canterbury, or at the Hays Aquatic Park. The HRC
phone number is (785) 623-2650.
- Hays Aquatic Park, Fourth and Main
Hours: Noon to 8 p.m. Monday through
Saturday; 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday; 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Tuesday and
Saturday.
Admission: $1.50 children 3 to 17 years
and 50 and over; $1.75 adults; children 2 and under free with
adult.Inner tube rental 50 cents.
Phone: 623-2833.
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