In the Know: Aquatic center making splash in East Naples

Q: The whole article on the Eagle Lakes aquatic facility was full of information, except for one thing. We know it's not free. What are the fees going to be?

— Margaret Smith Fredrickson, East Naples

Q: Will there be an entrance fee to the aquatics center in Eagle Lakes park? If so, how much?

— Florence Crudele Dargento, Lely Resort

Q: What is the opening date for Eagle Lakes park’s aquatic center?

— Michelle Taylor, South Naples

A: Following a soft opening on Father’s Day, the grand opening will be next week for the Eagle Lakes Community Park Aquatic Facility.

A ribbon-cutting and musical entertainment will be featured at the grand opening from 10 a.m. to noon June 29. More details about the event will be announced soon by Collier County Parks & Recreation, which operates the park. The new amenity abuts a soccer field and basketball court just east of the park’s main entrance between Naples Manor and Lely Resort on the north side of U.S. 41 East.

The operating hours for the aquatic center are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. Admission will be free during the month of July to celebrate Parks and Recreation Month, said Daniel Christenbury, a Collier County public information coordinator.

Starting Aug. 1, the admission charge for the aquatics center will be $3 for children age 3 to 17 and people 60 and over; and $3.50 for adults 18 and older. Children less than 3 years old are admitted free.

Similar to the county’s Golden Gate Aquatic Facility, the Eagle Lakes Aquatic Facility offers three-month and annual pool passes for individuals and families. Three-month passes are $45 for children and seniors, $65 for adults, and $110 for families. Seasonal passes are $65 for children and seniors, $85 for adults, and $150 for families.

The center features two water slides — a blue 160-foot open slide and a yellow 110-foot enclosed slide. A family pool includes spray features for children and a separate keyhole-shaped wading pool is near the end of the water slides.

“The family pool has a zero entry to about 4 feet, so it will be fun for the entire family,” Christenbury said. “We also have a toddler pool for the little ones that is separate from the other water features.”

The heated lap pool is 25 yards by 25 meters with one 3-meter springboard and two 1-meter springboards on one end and backboards with nets for playing water basketball on the other end. The pool may be used for school competitions and practices as well as exercise or therapy classes and open swims.

Diamond-shaped shade structures and chaise lounge chairs are throughout the area. In addition to the water features, the center has a 3,379-square-foot main entrance building, a 2,900-square-foot building for pool equipment and chemical storage, a 1,210-square-foot building for lifeguards and a 961-square-foot shade pavilion. The main building has offices and the admissions area as well as restrooms with showers.

Expect forthcoming information regarding swimming lessons for different ages and skill levels, swim teams, water aerobics and other programs. Call the park at 239-252-3527.

While we won’t have to worry about cool weather for many months, all water facilities managed by Collier County may be closed if the air temperature is below 59 degrees.

The $9.2 million aquatic center was built by DEC Contracting Group Inc. of Fort Myers. The center was designed by Victor J. Latavish Architect of East Naples and Aquatic Design & Engineering Inc. of Orlando.

The aquatic center joins the Donna Fiala Community Center and nearby fitness center that opened three years ago at the county park at 11565 U.S. 41 E. The initial phase of the park opened in November 1999 with baseball fields, soccer fields, a basketball court, a playground, a nature trail, picnic pavilions, concession stands and restrooms.

Have a local question? Email it with your name and city of residence to intheknow@naplesnews.com. Tim Aten’s "In the Know" is published every Monday and Wednesday.Like and follow In the Know on Facebook now at facebook.com/timaten.intheknow.