Bathers have blast breaking in water park

Thunderclouds notwithstanding, eager bathers lined up to enter Yuma's newest pool complex Thursday during a ribbon-cutting ceremony that officially launched the Valley Aquatic Center.

The seven-acre facility at 4381 W. 18th St. has both a 13-lane competition pool and a leisure pool with a built-in playground. Admission costs $2 for 17 and under and $3.50 for adults.

City Administrator Mark Watson, who attended the previous evening's pre-opening party, attested to the swiftness of the the water slide. Watson praised the unique partnership between the city and Yuma Union High School District in completing the $8.8 million project that required 18 months to build

"We couldn't have done it alone and we love it," he said.

YUHSD Superintendent Toni Badone said the school governing board was instrumental in bringing the project on line. Badone also said she appreciated the voters' support and expressed hope that up and coming voters in the crowd would approve similar projects in future.

Mayor Larry Nelson called the project the highlight of the Parks and Recreation Department and added, "I can't say enough about the partnership (with YUHSD), it was a win-win all the way."

Debbie Wendt, recreation superintendent, thanked the 30 students from the five high schools who designed the mosaic tiles surrounding the edges of the pools. She also recognized some of those instrumental in getting the water park built including: the Breckenridge Group architectural firm, Greenberg Construction and Shasta Pools, among others.

The center incorporates all the latest technology and amenities the public desired, Becky Chavez, Parks and Recreation director, said. She pointed out the competition pool is deep enough to have water polo, synchronized swimming or scuba diving classes, and the leisure pool with its zero-depth entry welcomes bathers of all abilities.

In addition, it is the only pool with shaded grass areas, a full-service concession stand and a multipurpose classroom, she cited.

"It's really cool because we can use it to train lifeguards, and it's also available for family or organization rentals."

She also called attention to additional amenities such as the family changing rooms where parents can help toddlers get into their swimming togs and the splash pad whose spray "feels like a neck message" is controlled by the children with hand wheels.

Chavez noted the partnership between the city and YUHSD has been so highly lauded that her department will make a presentation at the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association conference at the end of August in Scottsdale to persuade other cities to follow their example.

Julie Evans, who lives in the nearby Falls Ranch subdivision, said she recently told her husband they ought to go to Phoenix so they could enjoy their water park but with Yuma's new complex they no longer need to leave town.

"That squirting thing (in the leisure pool) has just got to be the most fun thing. The kids just love it," Evans said.

Jade Butcher, 7, said the splash pad was "really cool" and she especially appreciated the built-in playground.

"You know why I like it. ’Cause it's got a squirter and I can squirt all the people."

Over at the competition pool, Liz Castaneda, who resides on Avenue A, patiently waited her turn to try out the one-meter spring diving board. Testifying that the new board a lot of fun, Castaneda  said she cannot wait until the 3-meter board is available so she can do a "cannonball" from the high board.

"For something like this in Yuma, it's amazing. There's so much for little kids. I have four kids, plus I brought four more, three of them from Tucson. So for for this to be open now, it's a blast."

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William Roller can be reached at
wroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858.