Even with some problems, Shawnee County officials say the Midwest Health Aquatic Center is a hit with swimmers.
“Parker surveys show that they're coming from all different kinds of counties, even some out-of-state tags, so it seems to be extremely popular,” said Terry Bertels, deputy director, Shawnee County Parks and Recreation.
Within a week of the pool being open, the runner slides were closed, the wave pool needed repair and the zip line needed a handle replacement. The wave pool and zip line were able to be replaced the same day. However, contractors will be on site later this week to work on the runner slides. Some riders reported scrapes and bruises, as well as lane changes on the slides. Bertels did not know if the racer slides would reopen this summer.
Bertels says with the slow opening this summer, it gives them a chance to make the necessary adjustments for the pool's first full season in 2017.
He says the aquatic center was designed to be active, and even with the little hiccups, it should keep people coming back for more.
“We're hoping that the activity that's allowed will encourage people to keep coming back either because they want to try something else that they couldn't do the first time, or they liked what they did the first time so much that they just want to do it again and again Bertels said.
The Midwest Health Aquatic Center is open weekends through September 30.
