The grand opening of Huron’s 12-point-five million dollar Splash Central Water Park is still set for May 24th, but one part of the aquatic wonderland will be absent. City Engineer Mike Wever says ground water below the 12-foot end of the 50 meter competition pool has caused damage to it….
Hydrostatic valves and a sump pump in place to relieve pressure below the pool floor failed causing the pressure to build. Contractors and engineers on the project have recommended making repairs now, instead of patching the crack and fixing it next fall. Splash Central manager Laura McGirr says the rest of the water park will be open for visitors…
The weight of three to four feet of water in the deep end of the pool would have prevented the crack, but extended periods of winter-like weather prevented that. Huron Chamber Executive Director Peggy Woolridge says there is some frustration that Splash Central will not be at 100-percent opening day….
The preview day for season ticket holders scheduled for this weekend has been pushed to Thursday, May 23rd from four to nine PM as the Splash Central preview party. The cost of the repairs to the competition pool are being covered by the contractor on the project and will not be billed to the city. On a positive note 283 season passes representing 1100 people have been purchased. Last year at the old municipal swimming pool, 60 season passes were sold, an increase of nearly 500 percent. The competition pool should be repaired and operational by June 16th.