FORT RUCKER, Ala. (July 24, 2014) -- As the summer heat wave makes its way through the Wiregrass, Fort Rucker offers a way to cool down.
Splash! Pool and Spray Park is one of Fort Rucker's most popular and well-known swimming hot spots that gives families of Soldiers and civilians a unique way to stay cool, and now will keep the summer fun going through Sept. 27 with new weekend hours, according to Amanda Orduno, Directorate of Family, and Morale, Welfare and Recreation aquatics manager.
The park is currently open six days a week, Wednesdays--Mondays (closed on Tuesdays) from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., but starting Aug. 3, typically when the park closes for the season, Splash! will remain open on weekends and holidays from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The reason for the change is to provide an extended Splash! season for patrons, despite the school season starting when most children won't have the time to visit the park during the week, said the aquatics manager.
"Once school goes back in session, we'll close during the week due to staffing and patronage shortages," said Orduno. "Our mission is to provide a safe and fun place of recreation for Soldiers and their families -- it's what we do."
Splash! boasts the largest recreational pool on post available to the general public, and features a host of amenities to keep children, teens and even adults entertained for hours.
"It has a little something for everyone, from a pool, which all ages can enjoy, two slides, a rock wall, diving board, and a spray park with multiple spray features that small children can enjoy," said the aquatics manager, adding that there is also a Tiki bar for adults that serves food and beverages, and has tables, lounge chairs, umbrella for them to relax as their children play.
The park is a great, local getaway with multiple attractions suited for all ages at an affordable price, she said.
The price for admission depends on military affiliation and age, and are as follows: admission for active-duty personnel, family members and retirees is $3 for ages 3-17 and $4 for 18 and up; Department of Defense employees, family members and contractors is $4 for ages 3-17 and $5 for18 and up; and admission for the general public is $5 for ages 3-17 and $6 for 18 and up.
Season passes are also available for purchase, as well, and as of Aug. 1, the season passes will be reduced by about 70 percent -- the new passes will be good through the end of the summer the season.
SPLASH! is also available for rent for private parties after park hours for $125 per hour beginning at 5:30 p.m. and can be rented as late as 9 p.m. In order to schedule a party, patrons must check with the front desk of the Fort Rucker Physical Fitness Center on Andrews Avenue for availability.
Not only is Splash! one of the most enjoyable facilities on post for people to visit, but it's also one of the safest with more than 60 lifeguards on staff who watch over all of Fort Rucker's swimming facilities to provide a safe, fun swimming environment, said Orduno.
"Safety at SPLASH! is a top priority," she said. "At (the park), we typically schedule between eight to 12 lifeguards each day, and each lifeguard is trained in American Red Cross lifeguarding, first aid, CPR and AED administration every two years."
Additionally, the lifeguard staff participates in mandatory in-service training to refresh and perfect lifesaving skills every two weeks.
Army regulation also requires that people utilizing the swimming facilities on Fort Rucker only use U.S. Coast Guard-approved flotation aides, said Orduno. Also, children who wish to ride the slides must be at least 36 inches tall and be able to swim on their own.
"As a staff, we are glad to provide a service to those who serve our country, and the families who support the men and women who serve," said the aquatics manager. "We have this opportunity to extend our service to the surrounding communities who are not affiliated with the military and we are happy to open our gates to them."
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