Alameda Waterpark opens
BUTLER TWP — School is out, the temperature is hot and the Alameda Waterpark is open for business.
The park, formerly called Alameda Pool, had its first day of operation Monday. It originally was to open May 30 but was delayed twice due to construction.
The park features a children's spray area, a zero entry pool area for young children, a drop slide, two tube slides, two diving boards, a climbing wall, as well as new picnic tables, umbrellas and chairs.
At the same time, work was done on the old pool, including replacing about 1,060 square feet of concrete to replace a major pipe.
Gary Pinkerton, director of Butler County Parks and Recreation, said construction began in the fall and finished last week.
The idea for the renovation came a few years ago while the county was redoing its comprehensive park plan. Public meetings were held to help decide what could be added to bring more people to the pool.
The project cost roughly $1.3 million.
No county general fund money was used on the park. Pinkerton said funds came from a state grant, proceeds from a timber sale and state Act 13 gas drilling impact fees.
Because of this, entry fees and passes remain the same price this year.
“We're here to provide a service to county residents,” Pinkerton said.
Last year, the pool had 45,000 customers. Pinkerton said he expects the new features will bring in more customers.
“I would be disappointed if it didn't,” Pinkerton said.
Michelle Kuntz of Summit Township was at the park Monday with her three children. They come every year, and were excited that the park finally opened.
“We've been waiting and waiting,” Kuntz said.She said the children went into the pool at about 12:30 p.m. and, as of 3:45 p.m., they had not gotten out. She said they were spending a lot of time in the new children's area and had tried the slides.“They liked them,” Kuntz said.Ed Davey of Franklin Township came with his two children.“I've been very happy with it,” Davey, whose family has had pool passes for five years, said.He said he likes the new features and thinks the park is more accessible. He even got a chance to try one of the slides, which he described as fast.“It was a lot of fun,” Davey said.Carmen Wohl of Butler Township also was enjoying herself.“We love it,” Wohl said.The only thing she would like to see added is a pad at the bottom of the children's slide, to make the landing softer.The park will be open through Sept. 7.
