By Kathy Feist and Ben McCarthy
Starting Memorial Day weekend, south Kansas City swimming pools, splash grounds and lake beach will provide affordable fun and reprieve from the summer heat
The Bay Water Park
The Bay, 7101 Longview Rd., is south Kansas City’s public water park operated by Kansas City Parks & Recreation. The park features a lazy river complete with waves and plunge pool, a giant swirl bowl slide, a swimming pool with hoops and floating lake animals, and a family play pool with slides, sprays, fountains and a huge dumping bucket. The Bayrider, a surf simulator, will be open this season. The free spray park outside the swimming area remains closed. The Bay is open Memorial Day to Labor Day, Monday through Sunday, noon to 7 pm. Costs range from $6 to $8 based on size and age. Season passes are available at https://kcparks.org/places/the-bay-water-park/
Leawood Aquatic Park
Leawood’s Aquatic Park, 10601 Lee Blvd., will open May 25 and run to Labor Day, noon to 8 pm. The park features an Olympic-size 50-meter pool and a separate youth pool that includes fountains and slides. Cost is $6 for residents and $9 for non-residents. For more information, check leawood.org/parks-and-recreation/aquatic-center.
Belton’s Memorial Park Waterpark
Belton’s outdoor water park located at Memorial Park, 520 Maurer Pkwy, opens May 25 and runs noon to 6 pm everyday until Labor Day weekend. Swimmers can plunge down the Speed Slide, ride an inner tube down the Tornado Slide, float over Cargo Crossing and challenge their balance skills on slippery lily pads. The 82,000-gallon Action River offers exercise when walking against the 4-mph current. Cost is $7 for residents and $10 for nonresidents. For more info, visit www.beltonparks.org/141/Outdoor-Water-Park.
Splash Parks
Grandview’s Splash Parks
Grandview has two splash parks: The View Community Center’s Splash Pad and John Anderson Splash Park.
Thanks to a grant, Grandview was able to receive new flooring for the John Anderson Splash Park located at 4701 E 135 St. In addition to a bright blue nautical theme, the new flooring provides padding for softer and safer landings. The splash park is free and runs from 10:30 am to 7 pm.
The Splash Pad, 13500 Byars Rd, opened next to The View Community Center, which also has an indoor swimming pool. The large outdoor splash pad includes two slides, and multiple interactive spaces, such as a large dumping bucket, play features, and water spray games. Day passes are $6 to $9 and must be purchased at The View. Hours are 10 am to 7:30 pm.
For more information on either splash park call 816-316-4888.
Sunnyside Park Splash Pad
Waldo neighborhood
The free splash pad at 8255 Summit St. is open Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. The simple fountains of water splash from 11 am to 7 pm daily.
Loose Park Sprayground
Plaza neighborhood
Located at 52nd Terrace and Summit Street, the Loose Park Sprayground features bright colored fountain sprays and loops. The sprayground is open Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Longview Beach is located at 11101 Raytown Rd.
Beaches
Longview Beach
Longview Lake Beach, 11101 Raytown Rd, is fully staffed and ready to open for the summer on Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Hours are 1 to 7 pm weekdays and 11 am to 7 pm weekends. Admission is $9 for adults and $7 for children ($115 for a summer pass). The one-acre sandy beach allows for swimming and laying out. But the remainder of the 930-acre lake can be accessed at the nearby marina for boat rental, kayaking, windsurfing, fishing, and other kinds of water sports. For more information go to www.makeyourdayhere.com/Parks-Lakes/Longview-Lake.
Longview Beach also features Sand Cinema.