Great Bend’s Wetlands Water Park, located at 2303 Main Street, opened for the season Saturday. With the temperature in the 90s, there were plenty of customers.
Head lifeguard Morgan Kottas said the day got off to a good start, with everyone observing the rules and no safety issues. In addition to a full crew of 15 lifeguards on duty, a few first-time guards were observing those with more experience.
“This is my seventh summer at the Wetlands,” Assistant Pool Manager Estella Schumacker said. Her staff was at the pool on Friday for boot camp. The Wetlands aquatic adventure features seven slides, spray features, a climbing wall, “water wars” area for friendly water balloon battles, and the original bucket challenge: a 300-gallon tipping bucket that repeatedly refills and then drenches anyone brave enough to stand under it.
There is also a zero-depth entry area, a swimming pool with a divided shallow end separated by floating features, concession area and several shady spots.
The Wetlands Water Park is open seven days a week — weather permitting — from on Memorial Day weekend until mid-August.
Hours are 12:30- 5:30 p.m., with Family Swim Nights from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting June 5. The Water Park can also be rented for 2-3 hours for private parties.
The greatbendwaterpark.com website tracks the daily forecast so you can check on whether the pool is open or closed. The “Wetlands Waterpark” can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.
Swimming lessons and other aquatics programs will be provided this summer by the Great Bend Recreation Commission. For more information, contact the Great Bend Rec Center, 620-793-3755 or www.greatbendrec.net.