It’s Memorial Day Weekend, and that means the Wetlands Waterpark in Great Bend is open for business, starting Saturday, May 27.
On Friday, all of the 55 summer employees spent the day in training. Pool Manager Megan Hammeke said there are 45 lifeguards and 10 people in concessions. There are 15 guards on duty any time the pool is open.
Friday’s meeting was the only group training before opening day. “Most of them just got out of school on Wednesday,” Hammeke said. The summer employees are 15-22 years old, with high school students and some college students.
The temperature has to be forecasted to reach at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit and there can’t be any threatening weather for the pool to open. When the conditions are right, the waterpark, located at 2303 Main in Brit Spaugh Park, is open seven days a week from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Family Swim Nights are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. and feature discounted admission. Family Swims begin June 6.
There are no new features this summer at the waterpark – just the fun ones everyone remembers – but the fees haven’t changed from last year, she said.
Daily admission is free for children 2 years of age and under; $3 for youth ages 3-27; and $4 for adults ages 18 and older. A discount pass for 15 admissions can be purchased for $40.
Family Swim Night admission is $2 per person, with children 2 and under admitted for free. Group rates are also available. The park accepts cash, check, debit cards, and credit cards as forms of payment.
All persons entering the pool enclosure, including supervising adults, must pay the appropriate fees.
Children ages 7 and under will not be admitted to the aquatic facility without appropriate supervision. That may include a responsible person 15 years of age. A baby-sitter registration form must be filled out and signed by a parent or guardian if a baby-sitter is allowed to bring children to the pool. Forms can be picked up at the front desk of the pool.
Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons and other aquatics programs will be provided in partnership with the Great Bend Recreation Commission. For information on lessons or aquatic programs contact the Great Bend Rec Center at www.greatbendrec.com or call 620-793-3755.
