The long-awaited installation of a new waterpark in St. Marys is moving forward this week, but don’t grab your swim trunks just yet.
Crews need space to create 60 concrete blocks that will serve as anchors for the SuperSplash waterpark’s massive inflatable features, which means nearby sections of Washington and Water streets will be closed over the next nine days, town officials said.
Washington Street, closed Wednesday between Water Street South and Wellington Street, won’t be open again until June 17. Once the concrete blocks are ready, a helicopter will be needed to lift them into place, closing parts of Wellington and Water streets next week .
“Traditionally, you would have a team of scuba divers move the anchors into place using airbags,” said Patrick Jackson, president of Super Splash. “Because of the complexity, the shape of the quarry, (and) the location, it’s very hard to get heavy equipment in to do that kind of work without causing a lot of damage, so that’s why we’re bringing in a helicopter. ”
The St. Marys Fire Department and Stratford Police Service has requested that the public not be allowed into the area to observe the helicopter for safety reasons, town officials said.
Parking at Teddy’s Field will be unavailable for the duration of the project. The field will be closed completely June 14 to June 17, along with the nearby racket courts, fishing quarry, and Riverview Walkway. Recycling trucks and school buses will be allowed through between helicopter lifts, town officials said.
The timing of the closures may vary depending on weather. More information will be posted on the town’s website and social media pages.
SuperSplash has signed a five-year contract to run the new waterpark, which is expected to open at the St. Marys swimming quarry June 25. The company came to an agreement with the town in 2020, but the project was delayed by the pandemic.
“It’s absolutely gorgeous here,” Jackson said about the quarry, a popular spot to swim in St. Marys for decades. “The water is amazing. All around it’s inviting, it’s tempting … just because of its natural beauty.”
A section of the swimming quarry will continue to be run by the town.
When it’s ready, the new SuperSplash waterpark will feature a 14-foot inflatable tower, slide, monkey bars, a quarter-pipe, and hurdles, among other obstacles. Admission will be $25 for two hours.