Webster Groves opens new water park; director reports 608 visitors on opening day

Webster Groves Parks and Recreation held a grand opening for its new water park and reported 608 visitors on the facility’s first full open day, staff told the commission.

The Parks and Recreation director described the soft opening weekend — employees and members attended preview sessions — and said the facility ran a members‑only day and a public grand opening with a DJ. The director said lifeguard staffing has been adequate, that the city is working with contractor MPN for lifeguard operations, and that MPN’s regional manager, Rachel, has been involved in training.

The commission heard operational details including pool hours (director gave Monday–Friday as noon to 8 p.m. and weekend hours as 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.), training for front desk and camp staff, and a ramp‑up of concessions. The director said the new concession equipment inventory exceeds $100,000 and includes a high‑speed oven for flatbread/pizza and an ice cream machine that produces dairy‑free frozen treats; the park is also selling branded tumblers and offering a reusable‑cup discount to reduce waste.

Staff said tumbler stock sold quickly after opening; the director ordered an initial 100 and planned to reorder. The director also reported that daily deliveries were heavy during move‑in as the facility received furniture, fitness equipment and FF&E (furnishings, fixtures and equipment).

On staffing, the director said internal front‑desk positions and the pool maintenance team were fully staffed at least a month prior to opening and that MPN had been responsive during training. The director said camp enrollment and pool staffing will be monitored through the summer and adjustments made as staff begin regular operations in the new facility.

Commissioners asked about registrations and the timing for summer brochures and camp sign‑ups; the director said staff will aim to publish materials earlier in the year next season to improve outreach.