Pocatello waterpark undergoing improvements ahead of summer season
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POCATELLO – The city plans to open its aquatic complex this summer with some obvious and some not so obvious improvements.
While most community members have probably heard of the two new waterslides added to the Ross Park Aquatic Complex, they likely have not heard about a number of other upgrades in the works before the 2025 season kicks off on May 24.
“It’s kind of taken on a new look,” said Recreation Manager Stacie VanKirk. “I think people will come in and … it’ll look like Ross Park, but it’ll be a cleaner, newer version.”
The Ross Park Aquatic Complex was first opened in 1999, and much of its infrastructure has aged and grown dilapidated since then. An example of this is the kiddie pool play structure, which has had its original color scheme fade away after being exposed to sun and chlorine for 25 seasons of operation.
“When it was (new), I’m assuming it was really a vibrant color and attractive. And then over the years, the sun and the chlorine and all that has definitely dilapidated the color scheme to where it just looks old,” VanKirk said.
While there is still work to be done before opening day, the city has completed a series of safety improvements. One of them was replacing the deck drains that surround every pool in the park.
“It’s crucial that we (got) those replaced, because if those aren’t draining, then water pools on the deck, and then there’s more chance that someone will slip and fall,” VanKirk said.
Another completed improvement was replacing the bridge that crosses over the lazy river, which had developed visible rust underneath it. The city was able to reuse the railing of the old bridge, and then it replaced the bridge plan and repoured the concrete.
Additionally, the kiddie pool and lazy river have been completely resurfaced, and the floor in the water park’s main building has been replaced.
While some of these improvements are hard to notice at first glance, the waterpark has improvements in store that will be much more visible.
One of these will be new lockers in the main building, which are on order. These lockers will be coin-operated so that people who use them won’t have to bring their own lock like they used to.
People who visit the pool will also find the building taking on a new look. It will be repainted and will have new signage.
Swimmers will also find the kiddie pool play structure to be bright and vibrant once again, matching the color scheme of the new waterslides. The city has hired Splashtacular, the company that made the waterslides, to restore it.
“It’ll once again bring back that excitement to be there and play on it,” VanKirk said. “It’ll have the same amenities. It’ll just look great.”
If any of the planned improvements aren’t completed before opening day, VanKirk said, “We’ll be doing a phased plan (and will) work on the nights and weekends to get it in.”
“We’re really excited about (visitors) being able to come in through the newly painted front, and have that carry on through the building, and then go outside and see that these things are being taken care of … The community deserves to have places that are well taken care of,” VanKirk said.
