By RORY MOORE
Tiger Media Network
The Hays Aquatic Park opened its doors on Saturday as the school year came to a close for Summer. Families went to the park to enjoy opening day with its pools, water slides, lazy river and diving boards, while older swimmers relaxed on the poolside lounge chairs.
Admissions for children aged two and under are free, while admissions for children three and older are $5.00.
“We’re open 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. seven days a week,” Aquatics Director Grant Lacy said. “We’re a fun place to come, and it’s a nice, family-friendly facility. All ages are welcome here, but one of our rules this summer is that kids ages nine and under must be accompanied by an adult 16 or older to enter the facility.”
Lacy encourages all people, no matter how old, to visit the park and stay cool with some splashy entertainment.
“It’s a lot of energy and effort to make this place work,” he said. “There’s a large team of lifeguards, admissions, concessions workers, maintenance workers and swim lesson instructors who make this place operate, and I’m proud of them all and the work they do.”
The Hays Aquatic Park will operate until August 16, but is subject to change based on the USD 489 school schedule. More information can be found at https://www.haysrec.org/aquatic-park.