Changes coming to these Kansas City-area pools this summer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The unofficial beginning of summer arrived in Kansas City. Days of fun in the sun are on the calendar for people and families across the metro.

Most area pools and water parks open for the season over Memorial Day Weekend.

The following pools are either opening for the first time, will operate under new rules, or will not open on time this season.

Kansas

Kansas City, Kansas

Two of the spray parks in Kansas City, Kan., will not open as planned on Memorial Day Weekend.

A spokesperson for the city said vandals significantly damaged Clifton Park’s splash park. The thieves took specialized parts from the park. The city is now awaiting replacements and hopes to have repairs made by the middle of June.

Heathwood splash pad will also not be open for the holiday weekend. Critical repairs are needed at the splash park before it can safely operate. A city spokesperson said staff is working with the company that installed the park. There is not a specific timeframe of when Heathwood splash pad will open this summer.

The city’s Parkwood Pool and the city’s two other spray parks will open Memorial Day weekend as planned.

Lenexa | Sar-Ko-Par Aquatic Center

Lenexa leaders just cut the ribbon to open the new Sar-Ko-Par Aquatic Center in Lenexa.

Crews gave the pool a $15 million transformation over the past year.

The new aquatic center includes:

• Zero-depth entry pool with interactive features for younger children
• Lazy river
• Competition/lap pool
• Deep-water alcove and diving boards
• Inner tube slide and speed slide
• New family restrooms and open-air admissions area

There are also new parking places and a drop-off/pick-up circle near the pool’s entrance.

Daily admission is $9 for residents, $12 for nonresidents.  Kids 2 years and under are free and there is a discount for seniors.

Missouri

Blue Springs | Blue Surf Bay

The city’s new water park is open for summer. Years of planning and $35 million were invested in getting the park to this point.

The brand new park includes a cool water lap pool with a rock climbing wall and waterfall. It has diving platforms and a warm water pool with a current channel for aqua exercise, swimming lessons and physical therapy sessions.

The design offers an indoor splash pad, water slide, steam room and hot tub.

Outside of the building people will soon be sliding down a 40-foot tower with multiple slides, swimming in a wave pool, relaxing in a lazy river and enjoying a play structure.

Independence | Adventure Oasis

After allowing only Independence residents to dive into the pool last season, Adventure Oasis in Independence changes its policy.

This season the water park is open to everyone on a first come basis, but proof of residency in Independence is required to receive the resident discount.