Water world: New pool set to open

HUBER HEIGHTS, Ohio (WDTN) - The water is already rushing in at the Kroger Aquatic Center at the Heights and in less than two weeks, officials hope the people will soon follow.

"We plan on attracting folks from all over the area," says Don Jones with the city. "We see it as a regional draw. We think it's going to be very successful."

Roughly two years after closing its old pool because it was becoming a safety hazard, Huber Heights is doing much more than sticking a toe back in the water by opening a $7.5 million aquatic center.

But whereas sometimes pools can drown in debt, Huber officials think they'll stay afloat because of money going toward the pool from what's known as a Tax Increment Financing District or TIF.

"That's unique to us," Jones says. "We're able to do that because of the creation of that TIF district several years ago."

The center's super slides won't hurt the cash flow either.

"When you're up at the top you can't see the bottom," Jones says. "[They] should be popular with the kids."

But before they can rake in customers, workers have to rake around the dirt as they put the finishing touches on the pool.

They're racing against the clock to have everything ready in time for opening day, but think they'll make it.

"We're on schedule and we're under budget," Jones says.

The slides were tested Monday and already the first customer showed up, even if she was too early and got too close to the water in her van.

Soon others will join her, even if they won't be following quite the same path.   

"It's going to be the hottest place to be and the coolest place to be this summer," Jones says.

The pool opens to the public Saturday May 26 at noon.