Aquatic center opens its gates

Saturday, May 29, 2004

The sun barely peeked through a sky filled with dark clouds Friday during opening day at Russell Sims Aquatic Center. Even the threat of rain couldnt keep away the bathing-suited sun worshippers, water babies and thrill seekers as they slid down the water slides, jumped in the pool and ran through the sprinklers. The water park which opened at 11 a.m. had already drawn about 300 people by 12:30 p.m., said Pam Colemen, manager of the aquatic centers concessions and admission office. The cost of admission was half price all day and each family received a goodie bag filled with items such as free passes, food coupons, sunglasses and information about the parks water aerobics and swim classes. Today, the park is back to regular price $8 for adults, $5 for ages 6 to 17, and seniors, $6 for college students, $3 for kids 2 to 5 and $1 for those under 2.It has been going pretty well considering we werent going to open until (today). It has been good and sunny, she said. It started out warm, but were hoping the weather will hold out for Memorial Day. Were hoping for a good summer this year. Those who were at the aquatic centers opening were hoping for good weather, too, as they enjoyed the parks amenities. Diana Turner of Bowling Green and her 5-year-old daughter, Chloe, were making their first visit to the aquatic center. The day had taken a frightening turn when Chloe slid down the water slide and went underwater. The lifeguard had to get her out, Turner said. I think were going to stay away from the slides. But the incident didnt dampen their spirits. The duo was planning to swim in the pool after playing in Chloes favorite the sprinklers. Theyre fun, Chloe said. April Rountree was putting sunscreen on her 13-year-old daughter Lindseys back soon after they arrived at the water park. They visited often last summer and decided to get season passes this year. I like the fact that the lifeguards can see everything, Rountree said. It seems safer to me. Its a safe environment for the kids. Lindsey was ready to head to the pool. I like swimming, she said. Rhonda Hunt and Melinda Fox, both of Bowling Green, and Hunts 15-year-old son, Patrick, were relaxing and soaking up the weak rays of sun on beach chairs near the sprinkler area for younger children. The weather has kept a lot of people away, but its not a bad day to be here, she said. Its not too crowded and we have plenty of space to move. We got family passes to the park this year to give us something to do this summer. Hunt had also brought her daughter, Jessica, 10, and Fox had brought her 7-year-old daughter, Makayla. Both girls were out playing in the water, Hunt said. The waters a little too cold for us, but the girls dont seem to mind, she said. When asked what he liked most about being at the water park, Patrick joked, Being close to my mother. Hunt gave her sons arm a friendly punch. He thinks the water is too cold, too, she said with a laugh. Fox said she was just grateful to be able to rest. Im not at work, she said with a laugh. I love my job, but Im glad Im not at work today. Russell Sims Aquatic Center may close or suspend operation due to inclement weather. Weather suspensions are a minimum of 30 minutes. If the waterpark closes due to rain and doesn’t reopen keep your receipt and present it the next day for admission into the waterpark. The receipt is only valid the day after the date on the receipt. For more information, call the parks office at 393-3249.  Daily News ·813 College St. ·PO Box 90012 ·Bowling Green, KY ·42102 ·270-781-1700