MOUNT VERNON — Hiawatha Water Park/Pool has been busy so far this summer. On its busiest day, there were 1,400 guests, Jerry Clinger, pool manager, told Mount Vernon City Council Monday evening.
“Anything over 1,000 is a substantial crowd,” Clinger said. “We’ve had several days at 1,300.”
Accurate daily attendance records are due to a new turnstile installed at the entrance gate earlier this spring. Attendance on Monday was 600, which Clinger said was a good turnout for cooler temperatures. With highs expected in the mid- to upper-90s on Friday, he anticipates a big crowd trying to beat the heat.
Clinger said the installation of an inground watering system has been a huge help as far as time savings and keeping the grass healthy and looking good.
“The grass inside the fence takes a lot of abuse,” Clinger said. “It’s sprayed with lotion, Coke is spilled on it, people and towels lay on it. It gets worn pretty quickly. Trying to keep it alive is an enormous challenge.”
Julie Zimmerman, aquatics director told council she has a staff of 56 lifeguards who have already performed 13 “massive saves,” already this year.