ROGERS -- The city is completing repair to the aquatics center after lightning struck the pool last year.
The lightning strike hit the Rogers Aquatics Center, 1707 S. 26th St., in August, and staff members were able to do enough repairs to keep the center open through the end of the season, Jim White, director for the Parks and Recreation Department, said during a meeting Wednesday.
David Hook, facilities manager for the city, said lightning hit in three places and caused several electrical problems.
"We are progressing now full-on with the repairs that need to be made," he said.
The park wasn't open during the incident and no one was injured, White said.
The city has a written policy mandating everyone get out of the pool if anyone sees lightning or hears thunder, said Andrea Brinton, assistant director for the department. No one can be in the pool for at least 30 minutes after a lightning strike.
White didn't have an exact cost for the repair, but said they will likely exceed $100,000.
The repairs will not affect the Aquatics Center's opening date or fees, White said.
The water park opened in 2013 at a cost of $13 million. The center recorded more than 82,000 admissions in 2017.
The Aquatics Center is open from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day. It opens this year on May 27 and closes Sept. 2. The center isn't open on weekdays when Rogers Public Schools are in session, according to its website.
Park hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 12-6 p.m. Sunday.
Daily admission is free for people shorter than 3 feet tall; $8 for Rogers residents between 3 feet and 4 feet tall; $12 for Rogers residents taller than 4 feet; $10 for non-residents between 3 and 4 feet tall; and $15 for non-residents taller than 4 feet.
NW News on 01/17/2019