CRANBERRY TWP — The township swimming pool and water park in North Boundary Park is getting upgrades and additions that could cost as much as $1.6 million.

The facility, which features a 15,000 square-foot pool along with other amenities, is more than 17 years old and is used by more than 70,000 people a year, according to Pete Geis, township parks and recreation director.

It should come as no surprise that the facility needs upgrades, Geis said, and the township supervisors voted Thursday night to send the project out to bid.

Officials said last week that construction will likely start in the fall.

The facility still is in “fantastic shape,” Geis said, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t improvements to be made.

Geis said he solicited input from residents about changes they’d like to see. He came back with suggestions of expanding the zero-depth pool for children and separating the different pools.

Currently, the five pools are connected. With the changes, an accident or issue in one of the pools will no longer shut down the entire facility, Geis said.

The facility also will get a new filtration system, while other amenities like a rock-climbing wall and a “dump bucket” that pours water on people will be added.

The entire bottom of the pool will be replaced, Geis said.

The improvements will further strengthen the facility’s reputation as one of the best water parks in the area, Supervisor Bruce Hezlep said.

Another supervisor agreed and said the water park is just one more reason people come to the township.

“This furthers the concept of Cranberry being a destination,” Supervisor Mike Manipole said.

Geis agreed and said he’s excited about offering these new options to residents.

“We’re really excited because we think the community will really enjoy these new amenities,” he said.