Pierre, S.D. -The Pierre Indoor Aquatics Center will reopen Monday, Sept.19. And when it does, you’ll find a serpent lurking in the middle of it.
The Aquatics Center closed August 12 for annual cleaning, maintenance and the installation of a new play structure that features a medieval theme and a serpent slide.
The new play structure replaces an aging slide and water effects that were installed when the Aquatics Center first opened in 2000. Mindy Cheap, City of Pierre Recreation Superintendent, said it was time to update the water play area for young children.
“We’re really excited because this feature is designed specifically for kids between the ages of two and five,” said Cheap. “The feature sits in the shallowest area of the pool while still allowing its users to interact with the water. It’s a fun way to help keep the smaller kids safe.”
Cheap went on to say that the medieval design was an intuitive pick because it’s a natural companion piece for “Norbert”, a floating dragon feature the aquatics center brings out for special occasions.
The new play feature, referred to as “Norbert Junior” by staff, is the only one of its kind in world. It started as a gigantic piece of Styrofoam which was sculpted into Norbert Junior and then sealed, painted and outfitted for long-term use. It was funded through a partnership between the Oahe Family YMCA and the City of Pierre.
The Aquatics Center also features a 25 yard, eight-lane lap pool, a one-meter diving board, a slide, a recreational pool with zero-depth entry, and an outdoor sun deck.
YMCA memberships include entrance into the Aquatics Center. For additional membership information and YMCA amenities and programs visit oaheymca.org