Residents are looking forward to enjoying the new water attractions and some fun in the sun at the Furman Aquatic Center, 1635 13th St., which opened May 29.

Nancy Carroll, Ames Parks and Recreaction Department director, invites people from the community to visit the $10-million facility that took three years to create.

She said it will provide a family-oriented environment. There will be attractions for all ages, including a 150-foot drop slide, a 50-meter pool, a 550-foot lazy river and a family slide.

“There’s something we’re calling the pond, which is a zero-depth entry pool for children age 6 and under. It starts at zero and gradually goes down to three and a half feet in depth, and there’s a large play structure and a bucket that dumps water,” Carroll said.

“There are also two tube slides that are 220 feet, and end in an area that is attached to the lazy river. And then there’s a body slide that is 150 feet. It is 50 feet off the ground, and it drops into the pool.”

Carroll encourages ISU students to take advantage of the $75 season admission ticket, which will allow them to access the facility from May 28 to Sept. 6 – two weeks after the start of fall classes.

Season passes can be purchased at the community center at City Hall, and they are also good at the indoor municipal pool.

Or, admission for one day is $4.50 with a valid ISU ID, and $4.75 for non-students.

Carroll said the aquatic center will be open seven days a week from 1 – 8 p.m. throughout the summer.

“I believe once residents experience this facility, they will be thrilled. They have been driving to Nevada, Boone and Ankeny for years to use their facilities, but now they have one located in their own community, which they can enjoy every day. I invite them to come out,” Carroll said.

Rebecca Pencook, senior in accounting, will stay in Ames for the summer. Even though she will be busy working at Domino’s Pizza, she still plans to make time to visit the new aquatic center.

“On my days off, and when I feel like sitting outside, I will totally be lounging in the lazy river,” Pencook said. “I also want to tan naturally while I lay out and enjoy the facility with my friends.”

Erich Sneller, sophomore in biology, will also be in Ames during the summer.

“During the week I’ll have class, but on the weekends I’ll definitely go and check the aquatic center out,” Sneller said. “I’ll for sure go before the kids break it.”