Water park updates underway

A local summertime favorite will have a brand new feature this coming season.

A splash pad feature and family changing rooms are being added on the northern end of the Farmington Water Park.

The improvements were among the projects included in the half-cent sales tax extension approved by voters in November of 2013. Another construction project included in the tax extension is the new library facility.

The cost of the improvements is $1.3 million and includes a splash pad with a number of features, additional deck space, a shade structure and changing rooms among other things.

The new area does not feature any standing water – allowing the area to be open without needing additional lifeguard staff.

“It offers us the ability to be open and available when the water park is not,” City Administrator Greg Beavers said.

Designed by Aquatic Recreation Co., the facility will feature a “jungle” theme – from the structures to the landscaping set to be put in place around the area. Features such as an elephant water bucket and zebra arch bar are a few of the highlights. The Minnesota-based company specializes in splash pads and water park equipment.

The original plan was for the feature to be ready for visitors during the Memorial Day holiday weekend when the water park opens for business.

“That is our hope … but it is going to be a very, very tight schedule,” Beavers said.

Instead, he anticipates the area will be completed a couple weeks after the opening date.

This is the largest addition to the water park complex since it opened in 2000. The park has seen upgrades in paint, the addition of shade structures and other cosmetic changes since the first season.

Brockmiller Construction, Inc. was awarded the general contractor for the facility upgrade at the Dec. 11 meeting of the Farmington City Council.

It may be mud right now, but this summer a lot of fun will be had at the new splash pad located on the northern end of the Farmington Water Park. Crews are working to finish the new area, complete with a deck and family changing rooms. The new feature was made possible by the passage of the half-cent sales tax extension in November of 2013.

Construction of a splash pad at the Farmington Water Park is currently in the works. Designed by Aquatic Recreation Co., the facility will feature a “jungle” theme – from the structures to the landscaping set to be put in place around the area.

The architects design for the new splash pad at the Farmington Water Park highlights the “jungle” theme. Features such as a elephant water bucket and zebra arch bar are a few of the highlights. The Minnesota-based company specializes in splash pads and water park equipment. 

Rebar sits next to the lazy river at the Farmington Water Park as construction begins on the new splash pad feature at the park. The design from Aquatic Recreation Co. will feature a jungle theme in both the water features and decorations. 

Shawnna Robinson is managing editor for the Farmington Press and can be reached at 573-756-8927 or srobinson@farmingtonpressonline.com