New water park makes big splash in Geneva

GENEVA — “If there is any magic on this planet, it is contained in water.”

Those words of Loren Eiseley, the late, Nebraska-born anthropologist, educator, philosopher and natural science writer, gained new resonance here this summer with the opening of the new Geneva Aquatic Center.

Average daily attendance numbers at the aquatic center increased more than four times over 2016 figures at the old municipal swimming pool, which was removed to make way for the new facility adjacent to the Geneva City Park.

Jenny Glenn, manager of the aquatic center, said 430 people signed in on the first day and that there were a lot of out-of-town visitors throughout the swimming season, helping push the average daily attendance up to 230-280 compared to an average of 75 patrons per day at the previous pool, which operated for 64 years.

“The kids really enjoyed it,” Glenn said. “With the nice variety of attractions, it gave them something to do at all times — even the 1- to 2-year-olds.”

The special attractions included a tall circular flume slide; a family slide 6-7 feet wide, allowing several swimmers to use it together; the water walk using suspended ropes and lily pads; the climbing wall, which rises 12 feet above the water surface; and the splash pad area with slides for the younger patrons.

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