No more standing pools of water in the locker rooms. No more nervous dads waiting outside the women's changing room for their little girls. No more 30-minute lines at the pay window in the hot sun.
St. Paul's Highland Park Aquatic Center is a shimmering new jewel in the city's park system thanks to a $2 million renovation, paid for with federal bonds, started after the pool closed on Labor Day 2010.
Parks and Recreation officials joke that once kids get a glimpse of the 50-meter, eight-lane pool, diving well and 25-foot-high water slide, they'll jump out before their parents can stop their cars.
The big changes: The aged cinderblock building that housed the locker rooms and office is gone. There are three admission windows instead of one. The cramped concessions stand that cranked heat from the rickety pizza oven is now a shiny, spacious kitchen with a nearby dining area.
A 200-foot-long water slide is a dramatic addition. The slide dumps onto a "landing pad" instead of the 50-meter pool. The pad both slows swimmers as they come flying out and keeps foot traffic moving on the deck, said project manager Bill Pesek.
The new showers will be a respite to anyone who used the old ones. Poor drainage often meant 1 or 2 inches of standing water in the bathrooms and showers. Bugs clogged the ancient screen vents on the ceiling.
The new locker rooms have enclosed showers and changing areas and presumably better drainage.
Parents have the option of using a family changing room with a toilet, sink and shower. Open-air showers on the pool deck were added for those who want a quick rinse.
A blue canvas will be stretched over Ionic columns at the entrance, framing the facility and providing shade to anyone waiting out front.
Parking space has more than doubled from the 50 spaces that filled up fast on hot days. The 60 new spots in front of the center will be sheltered with white birch trees, Pesek said.
The tranquil sylvan setting remains. Parks spokesman Brad Meyer noted that nearby old-growth trees have been trimmed to appear as though they are hugging the pool.
A grand opening is set for June 18 with free admission, music, door prizes and a movie at night, Meyer said. The pool will still be free in the summer any day the temperature rises above 100 degrees.
The center, formerly Highland Pool, is at 1840 Edgcumbe Rd.
For information on rates and hours: www.stpaul.gov/index.aspx?NID=2665.
Rochelle Olson • 612-673-1747