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NEW AQUATIC CENTER: Hazelwood has announced plans to build a new aquatic center next year to replace the outdated Kline pool. The new pool should be ready for the 2008 season and will include an open flume raft, and enclosed tube slide, an entry pool, a 360-degree bubble slide plus a Lazy River tube ride.

STORY BY JEANETTE EBERLIN RIZZELLO
Plans have been set in motion for the design and construction of a $5.7 million aquatic center in Hazelwood in White Birch Park.

The Hazelwood City Council gave second reading at their recent meeting to a bill authorizing a contract for the project with Capri Pool & Aquatics.

At the previous meeting Parks and Recreation Director Doug Littlefield gave a power point presentation describing the features of the plans and specific goals set by the staff. He pointed out that the existing pool was constructed in 1974 and has surpassed its life expectancy by four to five years.

“The required staffing was considered in the design phase to create a facility that the city could afford to operate for years to come,” Littlefield said. “We are trying to provide a service that would be adequate for our residents and guests – not trying to be a regional attraction attempting to draw from other communities.”

Describing the basic features, he said they include: a 25 -ft. tower which includes an open fume raft slide and an enclosed tube slide; a zero depth entry pool, “Kiddie 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, Littlefield 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 you 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 “bathouse” , or entrance building , is a two-story building, featuring 5,300 square feet of floor space. It has a rustic mountainesque look and large glass doors. Inside are a ticket purchasing station, changing rooms and concessions areas on the first floor. On the second floor there is a viewing deck available where patrons can lounge while their children are in the water.

Commenting on the presentation, 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 next summer. Our Parks and Recreation Director has worked to provide the best facility possible for our residents.

“We look forward to opening the new aquatic center next year and the replacement of the old, outdated and worn out Kline pool.”
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