Published: April 27, 2007 11:30 am            

READY FOR A BIG SPLASH!

New wave pool opening at SomerSplash Water Park

Last year saw the opening of the SomerSplash Water Park, just north of Somerset on U.S. 27.

Our last year's Travel Guide showed numerous pictures of the obvious success of the park and its many facilities. This year, with the opening of another park feature—the "Wave Pool"—the park surely will attract many more visitors. Last Year season passes were purchased from people not only living in Pulaski County but also several surrounding counties‚ attesting to the popularity of this new recreational feature.

We'd like to tell you all about the new park feature, the wave pool, along with outlining admission prices, season passes and special events. As to the wave pool, it is a huge addition to the park facilities and doesn't add anything to the cost of admission. The pool is large‚ covering 19,000 square feet when in the mode of making waves. It holds 290,000 gallons of water! The pool starts at 0 feet gradually getting deeper, up to 6 feet in depth. Participants can pick up inner tubes that will be placed in a holding area (different color than the lazy river tubes), and use them much as the lazy river tubes. Small children will be outfitted with life jackets.

The wave pool pumps and mechanism can produce several wave patterns, cresting up to 4-foot waves. It was suggested that the wave patterns, however, won't be at maximum during normal operating times. And the wave action will probably be at 15-minute intervals interspersed with idle pool conditions, much like any other swimming pool, allowing users to choose which they choose to swim in, or both.

The front and right section of the pool is partially divided off from the rest of the main pool by a wall. This is a shallow pool of around 1 to 1.5 feet of water that children can enjoy with feeling the action of the wave pool. Also in this section will be several water spray features including "flower fountains" and other smaller sprays. The whole front area will be one of fountains and sprays, although it can be controlled by sections.

Above the deep section of the wave pool is a "staging area" which will have lounge chairs, etc., where parents and others can watch the entire pool area from an elevated vantage point. This area, according to management, could also be used as a stage for entertainment features including live bands, video projections, etc. In front of and to the side of the wave pool is a large concrete area where a "Tike Hut" has been built for liquid refreshments (no food) and there is plenty of space for umbrellas and lounge chairs. 350 lounge chairs are being ordered to be placed around this part of the park.

At the time of writing this article, finishing touches were being put on the wave pool. All the concrete work was done, some landscaping was being done around the pool area and the surface the wave pool was being painted a light blue. The concrete portion beyond where the water will come to is being painted a beige color to mimic sand. They are shooting for being able to put water to all park features around May 1–getting pumps running and all features in a "go" mode. Scheduled opening to the public is being planned for the week prior to the Memorial Day weekend.

As mentioned, admission prices for daily admission is not being affected by the addition of the wave pool. Admission is $14.95 per day for the "Riding and Sliding" ticket which allows usage of all slides and park facilities for adults and children over 48" tall.. Admission of $12.95 per day is for any under 48" tall and adults for all features except the large three slides. This allows usage of the Lazy River and its slide, the Kiddie Pool and the Wave Pool. A $3 pass is for "dock side" usage where parents or grand parents and others might want to enjoy the park without getting into the water. Admission is free for children 2 and under with an regular paid admission.

Season passes are on sale now. They can be purchased from Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. by phoning 606-679-SWIM. Their website provides for mail in payment. The website says sale prices are valid to May 25.

A regular season pass is 69.95. Sale price is $49.95 with a total of $52.95 with tax. That is a savings of $20 per pass. The website schedule shows prices up to 8 passes‚ all with $20 savings per pass per season. However, in a interview with the management, it was said that an additional $10 savings would be given for a purchase of three or more passes. A payment plan was published months ago, but comes due May 1. The payment plan allowed a down payment of $10 on the season pass with payments of any amount, weekly, monthly, etc., until May 1 when the entire amount is considered due. However, the website said any outstanding balance will be due by opening day, May 25. If full payment is not received by then, the balance will be credited toward single day admissions.

Special prices are offered for birthday parties, groups, etc. And the website advertised a price of $25 per carload for Friday nights from 5 p.m to 8 p.m.

The park is offering extended hours for this season over last years 11-6 schedule. This year the park will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sunday hours are yet to be announced.

With the lowering of the lake level on Lake Cumberland, it is a welcome attraction to have the SomerPlash Water Park as a Tourist facility for this area.

        

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