Ritzville Water Park reopens for summer under new management

Summer is in full swing with the reopening of the Ritzville Water Park on June 10. The local establishment is prepared to welcome patrons back to the pool and is making plans for another successful summer.

The pool is under new management this year, with Angalina Vallone moving from her role on the Parks and Recreation Board to the manager position.

Vallone brings knowledge about the “behind the scenes” workings of the water park, and she plans to use what she has learned in the past to prepare and improve the future of the pool. Another main component of her job is to increase the communication between the managerial staff and the Parks and Rec Board.

The pool is operating with a full staff this season, Vallone explained. There are 15 lifeguards, three concession stand workers, three office employees and maintenance staff workers that Vallone oversees.

While patrons will not notice any changes under the new management, there are a few upgrades which have been completed at the pool.

During the spring, the Ritzville Lions Club donated their time to construct a new storage shed at the corner of the property. The Parks and Rec Board had purchased the kit, and the Lions Club volunteered to assist with construction.

Vallone said the Board and the pool staff are grateful to the Lions Club for their assistance in completing the project, and it is great to see small town organizations uniting to complete projects that are important for the whole community’s benefit.

Last year, the new starfish toy in the kiddie’s pool had been installed, but this year it is functioning to create a water feature for the youngest pool patrons.

Additionally, this year the pool staff members are preparing to offer two full weeks for swimming lessons per experience level.

The lessons include three levels; beginners, intermediate and advanced. The levels are based on age and experience, and parents should make sure to select the appropriate level for their child.

Swimming lessons for all three levels are scheduled for June 20-July 1. Advanced swimmers start the day at 9 a.m., followed by intermediate swimmers at 10 a.m. Beginners round out the morning at 11.

From July 11-22, Intermediate swim classes run at 10 a.m., followed by beginners. The new Mommy and Me will begin at 5 p.m.

All three levels of swimmers also have an opportunity to sign up for lessons on July 25-August 5. The final swim lessons for the summer are August 8-19, and times are posted on the Ritzville Water Park’s Facebook page and are posted at the pool.

All sessions are 10 days long and are $40.

Vallone said they are also planning on offering a variety of specialty parties for groups. This will include family night, toddler swim, tween nights and more.

There are four tween nights being planned for the swim season, and Vallone said the staff are hoping to conclude the season with the family swim night. The schedule of events will be updated throughout the summer on the Ritzville Water Park’s Facebook page.

During the variety of group events, Vallone said they will have music and games planned for patrons to participate in. The goal is to bring in more people after the regular hours of operation and provide a fun summer activity for local families.

The park is also open to private parties, and interested parties are asked to contact the pool office staff to schedule a time for the party.

Vallone said she is excited to serve as the manager for the pool, and continue to work with such a wonderful group of people. Her main goal for the season is to create a more efficient system for the pool while improving communication with the Board.

At the conclusion of the season, Vallone anticipates having a system in place that will continue to be utilized in the upcoming years. She also intends on continuing her role as manager in the future in order to provide consistency to the employees and patrons.

Vallone said the park is doing all they can to improve the overall experience for patrons, and she encourages community members to leave feedback with the office staff in order for them the work towards improvements.

Overall, Vallone said she is looking forward to a fun and safe summer at the Ritzville Water Park.

Daily prices for adults are $4, and seniors are $3.50. The child rate, for children between the ages of 4-13, is $3. Children age three and under are admitted free, but must be supervised by an adult.

The pool is open daily from 12-8 p.m. with adult swim from 5-6 p.m. For more information, call 659-1003.