Blake Tratman, 14, of Butler Township, jumps into the summer and the cool water on Sunday afternoon, June 4, during the opening weekend for Alameda Waterpark. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

BUTLER TWP — Blake Trautman didn’t just wade into summer this year — he dove in head first.

The 14-year-old from Butler Township didn’t even dip a toe into Alameda Waterpark Sunday afternoon, June 4, before heading to the diving board for a big splash. He probably remembered the water’s temperature from his time at the pool Saturday, when he and his family went for opening day.

“This is day two and we were already here yesterday,” said Blake’s mom, Mandy Trautman, of Butler Township. “We love it here.”

Alameda Waterpark opened for the summer Saturday, June 3, and saw a large crowd, said Lance Welliver, director of Butler County Parks and Recreation which operates the pool.

According to Welliver, not much has changed at the waterpark since last year — just some lifeguards and a price hike for admissions with $10 for adults and $8 for children, age 3 to 12 — but the pool is as popular as ever.

“So far so good,” Welliver said Sunday. “The weather helps, people want to get out here.”

Welliver said that in addition to regular swimming hours, the waterpark also hosts special events like moonlight swims, movie nights and yoga sessions. Plus, children can take swim lessons and become certified lifeguards through Butler County Parks and Recreation.

Paige McClure, of Butler, spent Sunday at the pool with her 3-year-old daughter, Ellie Stober. She said going to the pool has become one of their frequent summer pastimes.

“We’ve gotten passes since it came back from COVID,” McClure said.

Celia Ray, head lifeguard at Alameda Waterpark, watches the water on Sunday afternoon, June 4. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

Ellie Stover, 3, of Butler, slides into the cool water on Sunday afternoon, June 4, at Alameda Waterpark. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle