MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz. — Station personnel and their families celebrated the grand reopening of MCAS Yuma's Oasis Pool with a splash, May 18.
The pool, which has been in use since 1943, reopened after renovations started in March were completed.
Oasis now boasts four two-story water slides and a completely revamped "splash pad" that replaces the kiddy pool.
"I tested them myself, they're very exciting," said Roberto Pou, the assistant athletic director. "I'm sure the youth and teenagers are going to like it."
The water slides were built after numerous requests from pool patrons, while the splash pad's construction was a result of problems with cleanliness in the old kiddy pool.
Families got to relax for the first half of the day, with Adult Swim following suite. The Single Marine Program brought to the festivities genuine Mexican luchadores and a nacho eating contest sponsored by Chretin's Restaurant and Cantina.
The pool is slated to host a barbeque every Wednesday through the SMP. As well, for those who live in the barracks, they need only to present their meal card at the pool gate on Fridays to use the facilities for free.
The project for the refurbished pool was conceived in September 2011 after receiving a grant from the government. However, because the pool is considered a Category B project, one used for recreation and entertainment, patrons are now required to pay for pool use.
A seasonal pass is $50, with a visit costing adults $2 and children under 17 $1.50.
Using the pool for lap swimming or physical training, however, remains free.