CRANBERRY TWP — Visitors to the township water park this summer will notice that there have been some major changes.

The water park in North Boundary Park underwent a $1.7 million renovation this winter.

The construction started in September and wrapped up in May. The pool opens May 28.

A grand reopening ceremony is planned from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 18 and will include music, games, crafts and other activities.

One of the biggest changes is that the wading pool has been doubled in size and is separate from the rest of the pool. The new wading pool features an expanded zero-depth entry area on one side and new benches on the other side where parents can watch their children while sitting in water.

A 50-gallon dump bucket was installed over the wading pool and a rock climbing wall will be installed over the deep end of the pool. The dump bucket will be held by “CT,” the township’s crocodile mascot.

Though the water slide will remain, it will have several new features. Green and red lights will alert users when it is safe to go down the slide.

Sensors also are being installed at the top and bottom of the slide that will record how fast each person goes down the slide. When a slider reaches the bottom and gets out of the pool, he will be able to see a screen on the side of the pool to view his time.

The filtration systems were replaced, and the water from the splash pad, wading pool and main pool now will be filtered and disinfected separately. This means that if there is a contamination in the wading pool, the wading pool will be evacuated, but the other two areas can remain in use.

The renovations were planned after the township sought feedback from residents.

“The water park is here for the residents of Cranberry. Whatever they want, we’ve listened to,” parks and recreation director Pete Geis said.

Membership levels at the water park have been steady in recent years, but the township has seen a slight increase this year in anticipation of the renovations, Geis said.

Maximum occupancy at the park will not increase, though the park is not often filled to capacity, he said.