Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter

After nearly two years of design, preparation and thanks in large part to a very generous donation from the Bierman Family Foundation; the new Bierman Family Aquatic Center officially opened Friday afternoon. Warm temperatures soaring into the 80’s and a group of an estimated 30 eager patrons,complete with swim gear and plenty of smiles, greeted aquatic center employees as the gates opened at noon. Within the first 30 minutes, over fifty people had passed through the gates of the new water park, followed by a stream of many more.

“I just can’t believe it’s finally here,” added a very excited Dan Wendorf, Director of Parks and Recreation. “We had our share of hiccups along the way but here we are, right on schedule. It’s really a great feeling to have such an amazing feature added to our community” he adds with a smile, as he glances around at the steady stream of adults and youngsters file through the newly opened gates.

Unfortunately, the opening day of the new aquatic center was cut short by threatening weather as the facility was closed down shortly before 4 p.m.