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Splash Zone opens Saturday at Frances Meadows center
Slides, shallow pools offered
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Ken Rovinelli, with Gainesville Parks and Recreation, checks one of the seams in the water slide at the Frances Meadows Aquatic and Community Center. The center’s Splash Zone opens Saturday for the summer season. - photo by Tom Reed

Frances Meadows Aquatic and Community Center Splash Zone

When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays

Where: 1545 Community Way NE, Gainesville

How much: $5 Hall County residents; passport pricing can be found online

More info: 770-533-5850

 

Temperatures have been hovering in the 90s. Teachers have said farewell to their students. Memorial Day is almost here.

That combination means local families are likely itching to get to the Splash Zone, and on Saturday they can.

The kids area at the Frances Meadows Aquatic and Community Center in Gainesville opens at 10 a.m., with DJ entertainment from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"It is like the best day ever," said Andi Harmon, recreation division manager. "It is so much fun just to see all the energy that's going on and all the excitement from the kids and the parents. It's just a really happy environment."

The facility offers water slides, shallow pools and interactive water elements for kids to splash in.

Harmon said the facility typically sees about 1,500 people a day during the summer.

"Usually opening is more like 2,000 that come through throughout the day," she added.

Daily passes are $5, but long-term passes also are available. A pricing breakdown is available at www.gainesville.org/pricing.

One addition this year is the availability of a 90-day passport for $90 that allows access to the pools, fitness and aquatic classes, Harmon said.

"It's a great idea for teachers or parents that are off for the summer," she said.

As much as local children are excited about getting to the Splash Zone, Harmon said her staff is just as ready.

"We always are looking forward to it and love seeing the facility being used," she said. "And even my staff get so excited they can hardly contain themselves."