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Hazelwood’s New Water Park at White Birch Park Nearing Completion
Weather Delays Opening of Hazelwood’s Water Park; Now Hoping For Near June 20
BY JEANETTE EBERLIN-RIZZELLO
Hazelwood Parks and Recreation Director Doug Littlefield is trying to accelerate the opening of the $5.7 million water park planned for White Birch Park despite delays caused by rainfall and weather conditions.
“We’re hoping to be open around June 20, with the help of Mother Nature,” Littlefield said in an interview this week. “We believe that the residents will feel it was worth the wait.”
Capri Pool, the contractor, has been working week-ends, and even in the rain, to complete the project as soon as possible, he added.
“When you come to White Birch Way you will get the feeling of being in a resort instead of a municipal swimming pool. It has a resort atmosphere because of the unique features which include an authentic rock theme throughout the facility.”
City Recreation Supervisor Jill Arnold will be tasked with managing this new facility. She is busy with staff training, including licensing of all life guards, equipment purchases, and programming for the summer season.
When asked how she feels about the increased responsibilities, she said, “I’m overwhelmed at times, but excited. I’m excited that Hazelwood is able to offer this type of facility for the residents.”
Littlefield described the features of the new water park, they includ: a 25 ft. tower which includes an open fume raft slide and an enclosed tube slide; a zero depth entry pool, Kiddy Wave pool, which generates small six and 12 inch waves, creating an ocean effect for the swimmers to enjoy. There also will be a “Lazy Wavy River” approximately 600 ft. in length with an authentic rock wall finish, and it will generate waves.
There will be a competition pool with diving boards, he said, “but a very unique – you could say outstanding – feature of the water park will be the 360 degree bubble slide.” It’s a bouncy white bubble that people can slide down in any direction. There are only 30 of these slides worldwide, and, so far, none in the United States, he added.
The bathhouse, or entrance, is a two story building, featuring 5,300 square feet of floor space. Inside is the admissions counter where staff will direct you to the meeting room, changing room and concessions area. On the rear of the building there is a viewing deck available where patrons can lounge while their children are in the water.
Mayor T. R. Carr said the aquatic center is a great addition to Hazelwood. ” It has all of the best features of a quality water park and will add to the enjoyment of our residents as they play and swim this summer,” Carr said. “Our Parks and Recreation Director has worked to provide the best facility available for our residents.”
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