Derby’s pool and Splash Aqua park reopening, with restrictions

Two of the area’s main water parks are about to reopen, but with some restrictions aimed at limiting the spread of the coronavirus.

Splash Aqua, the water obstacle course in south Wichita, will open for its second season Saturday, but with a cap of 30 guests at any one time, about one-third of its normal capacity. The park has more than 80 inflatable obstacles such as slides, swings, ramps, wiggle bridges and ladders that float on a sandpit lake just south of I-235 and Seneca.

The water park will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for a one-hour session and customers are asked to buy tickets and sign waivers online to reduce contact. Life jackets will be disinfected after each use.

In Derby, city officials have made many changes — including limiting maximum occupancy to 30% — at the Rock River Rapids water park to allow for social distancing and 6 feet between swimmers.

“I recognize some cities chose to close their pools instead of making the numerous changes to adjust to the higher level of public health awareness required by the current pandemic” said city manager Kathy Sexton said Wednesday in a news release.

“Many of those decisions were based on financial circumstances or because they did not have adequate staffing. Others were based on the difficulty of making so many changes with constantly evolving circumstances. We decided the physical health and mental well-being of the community required us to go the extra mile to provide an outlet for local outdoor activity. Providing a local option makes it easier for families to follow guidance against travel and big indoor events.”

Rock River Rapids Aquatic Center at 1900 E. James. St. will reopen at 12:30 p.m. June 8. The news release said the pool meets or exceeds all coronavirus guidelines from Kansas officials, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Kansas Recreation and Parks Association.

No more than 750 people will be allowed in when the park first reopens.

The water park has divided pool time into two sessions: 12:30-4 p.m. for $8-$9 and 5 -7 p.m. for $5. The aquatic park will undergo extra cleaning between the sessions. Tot Time session is on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

The park is only selling 750 tickets for each session. Tickets must be purchased online in advance at www.rockriverrapids.com. Season ticket holders must reserve a spot in the session they wish to attend.

The limited number of tickets will reduce occupancy to 30%, which will allow for 72 square feet of space per person and social distancing in pools. The number is double what is suggested by the state parks and recreation association.

Park officials said parental supervision is encourage to ensure children comply with health recommendations while swimming.

While the pool has added hand sanitizer stations, guests are encouraged to bring their own. They are also asked to limit the number of personal items they bring, though lounge chairs are recommended because the pool will not provide any. Tubes and life jackets will not be provided, either. Guests may bring their own.

Instead of business as usual for the waterpark, adjustments have been made to provide for six feet social distancing and enhanced sanitation, including:

▪ Guests are encouraged to arrive already dressed in their swimsuits. A “head to toe” shower is required before entering the pools, and shower curtains have been removed.

▪ Two of the four big slides are closed. The Lazy River will not allow any inner tubes, though walking is permitted. The concession stand will be closed, though vending machines will be available.

▪ Swimming lessons and fitness classes will be offered at reduced class sizes, and several annual events have been canceled.

“In everything we do, safety is our highest priority,” city staff said in a news release. “We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely. Rules and procedures will be amended as needed. There is a lot about COVID-19 we do not know. This plan is based on the best information currently available and may change as our knowledge improves.”

In other reopening news:

Botanica

Botanica, the Wichita Gardens reopened on Tuesday. Hours will be limited to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Sunday hours of 1-5 p.m. will start June 14.

The Carousel, Train Garden, Chinese Garden and gift shop will open June 8 while the Downing Children’s Garden and Children’s Library will remain closed until further notice. The Butterfly House will be open with one-way traffic.

Drinking fountains will not be available, though public restrooms will be. Select areas will be open for picnics. Visitors are encouraged to purchase their tickets online.

The city of Wichita is requiring masks for people ages 3 and up at all its facilities. Masks will be available for purchase for $1 at the gardens. Guests are asked to practice social distancing.

Botanica staff did not announce a maximum occupancy, but said the number of visitors in the gardens may be limited to provide for social distancing.

Museum of World Treasurers

The Museum of World Treasurers reopened to the public on Wednesday. Capacity is limited to 25%, which equates to 100 visitors. Groups may not have more than 10 people.

“We are so excited to begin welcoming visitors back to the Museum,” said Mike Noller, the president and CEO, in a news released. “We’re looking forward to sharing history’s stories face-to-face with people again, and as we are all on a very personal level navigating through these incredibly challenging times, we are immensely thankful for this opportunity to help our community begin the process of returning to normal.”

The museum will be open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The first hour is reserved for seniors and at-risk groups. Reservations may be made by calling 316-253-1311, though walk-ins are welcome.

Face coverings and social distancing of 6 feet will be required. All interactives and high-touch areas, including Ivan’s Playhouse and water fountains, have been temporarily closed.

This story was originally published May 27, 2020 at 5:13 PM.