Gaithersburg Officially Re-Opens Refurbished Water Park
Posted 5/30/2012

On Thursday, May 24, 2012, Gaithersburg Mayor Sidney Katz was joined by City Council Vice President Ryan Spiegel and Council Members Henry Marraffa and Mike Sesma, other dignitaries, and staff from the City of Gaithersburg in officially cutting the ribbon and re-opening the newly refurbished and enhanced Water Park.

Located at 512 South Frederick Avenue, within the 57 acre campus of Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm, the Water Park facility offers a safe and active environment that is used by families, summer camps and day care providers throughout the region.  Because of the City’s commitment to preventive maintenance, the life expectancy of the pool has surpassed expectation.  In 2010, a Facility Study was conducted and several items were found in need of replacement.

“With the help of funding through Maryland’s Program Open Space, our goal in renovating the Water Park was to ensure its viability for at least the next 20 years,” said Mayor Katz.  “It’s a much loved and heavily used facility, enjoying more than 80,000 visits annually, including 1,000 youngsters splashing away during our popular summer camp programs.”

Renovations to both the Main and Splash pools include the installation of new tile and pool plaster and the replacement of the ceramic gutter systems with ones made of stainless steel. The Main Pool was converted from a five lane x 25 yard swim area to a six lane x 25 meter competition pool. New gelcoating and paint were applied to the two fiberglass water slides, and concrete walkways now replace the brick ones. A UV/germicidal enhanced water filtration system has also been installed.

New play features include palm trees, the addition of two water slides, tumble buckets, floatable features, and bubblers. A complete redesign of the Splash pool includes increased surface area, incorporated spray ground amenities, and a custom in-water play structure, with open and closed flume slides, that pays homage to the state of Maryland with Black-Eyed Susan and Blue Heron play features. Shade structures were also installed in the Splash pool area.

The project consists of two phases of renovations, with Phase I now complete. Phase II, which will take place during Fiscal Year 2013, includes other recommended improvements to increase customer service/safety and implement energy efficiency upgrades through mechanical, electrical, and plumbing measures in the Water Park Entrance, Bath House, Snack Bar, Slide Tower, and other features.

The Water Park’s main pool continues to offer shallow water play and recreational swimming. The main attraction is still the double-flume slide, which sends swimmers down from a 38 foot tower.  In addition to the new and improved splash pool, complete with fountains and sprays to entertain the little ones, the Water Park also has a carpeted sun deck, grassy areas with picnic tables, and a snack bar plaza operated by Boardwalk Fries. The Water Park now offers swim lessons and water exercise classes. Visit www.gaithersburgmd.gov/classes for information.

The Water Park operates on a pre-season schedule starting Saturday, May 26 at noon. The full summer season begins June 9, with the pool opening daily at 11 a.m. and closing at 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.  Daily admission for residents of the City of Gaithersburg is $5.75.  Nonresident admission is $6.75 on weekdays and $7.25 on weekends and holidays.  For schedules, admission fees, money-saving season passes and more call 301-258-6445 or visit the City’s website at www.gaithersburgmd.gov/waterpark.