WHEAT RIDGE PARKS AND RECREATION ANNOUNCES

GRAND OPENING OF NEW OUTDOOR POOL

Wheat Ridge, CO - Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation announced that it will host a grand-opening celebration in honor of the newly renovated Wheat Ridge Outdoor Pool, located in Anderson Park at 4355 Field St., on Saturday, June 21, that will begin at 10 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. As part of the celebration, people visiting the pool that day will have a chance to receive give-aways.

The newly renovated pool was carefully crafted with every age and swimming need in mind. Serving as a foundation, the former 50-meter, eight-lane pool that opened in 1980 was divided into two pools - a 25-yard lap pool and a zero-depth entry leisure pool packed with fun-filled water features. Headlining the water toys is a water tower that "flips its lid" and sprays water on swimmers below. A new body slide offers a circle eight and single circle in its 180-foot ride. Added attractions are a diving board and some interesting water fountains, including "Tappin Tunes," which takes the shape of a musical keyboard and "Water Odyssey," a huge flower that sprays water.

When not in the pool, visitors can relax or picnic at one of the umbrella tables located on the pool's deck or on the large grassy area surrounding the pool.

The renovation of the new pool began last year when it was identified in the Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan as a priority project in 2006.

"With changing consumer tastes in swimming pools and the expensive repairs that would be required to maintain the antiquated 50-meter pool, it was more cost effective to invest in the remodel now," explained Joyce Manwaring, director of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation.

After receiving priority status, the Wheat Ridge City Council approved the funding for the pool in the 2007 and 2008 budgets. Prior to approving the project, a public open house was held in June 2007, where a conceptual drawing of the redesigned pool was presented. "We wanted the community involved and we got excellent feedback," added Manwaring. Ground-breaking construction began October 2007.

The pool is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. including Saturdays and Sundays.

Admission fees vary depending on where a patron lives, with Wheat Ridge residents receiving the lowest rates, followed by Jefferson County, and then out of county. People can save money on daily admission rates by purchasing a 20-visit punch card or a season pass.

For more information about the new pool, admission rates, etc., call the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center at 303-231-1300 or visit www.ci.wheatridge.co.us.