ST. MARYS, Ga. – The St. Marys Aquatic Center is set to temporarily close this summer so the city can make repairs to the water park.
The park will be tentatively closed from June 15 until June 29.
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“We understand how disappointing this is, especially during the hot days when families and friends look forward to cooling off and enjoying time together at the pool,” the city said in a message to residents. “Unfortunately, some necessary repairs to our pipes and pumps must be completed to avoid a much more serious and extended closure later this season. These systems are showing their age after 25 years of service, and if we do not act now, we risk a full shutdown that could last the entire summer.”
The city said season passes will be discounted by $5 through June 29. If you have already purchased your pass, you can receive a $5 voucher to use at SMAC anytime through the end of the season.
The city said the closure was scheduled based on when materials are expected to arrive, and crews are standing by to get to work immediately. If repairs are finished ahead of schedule, the park will reopen right away with no delays.
The announcement of the closure was met with frustration on the St. Marys Aquatic Center Facebook page.
“This is a sorry explanation considering you’re closed for 10 months of the year. Is this water park not being properly maintained throughout the year regardless of opening dates? Is there a reason this maintenance has not been done previously or can be scheduled before opening during the week? It’s apparent that St Mary’s residents tax money is not going to what it should be for this water park because this is inexcusable,” one person wrote.
“Sounds like someone seriously screwed up the preventative maintenace or just plain didn’t do it. Either way, I won’t be buying my family passes this year,” another commenter wrote.
Others came to the park’s defense.
“Do you really think they take joy closing and losing money? I doubt it,” one person wrote. “This is life, no different than something in your home needing repairs, always at the most inconvenient time.”
“Let’s try to show a little grace instead of burning the whole place down in the comments,” another person said.
The park said it will provide updates on its Facebook page.
