WS Chronicle

BY TODD LUCK

THE CHRONICLE

Ground was broken on the Winston Lake Aquatic Park on Friday, July 22, which the city is hoping to make into a major water attraction.

Winston Lake Park, which is located near the corner of New Walkertown and Waterworks roads, is a park with its own lake that’s currently used for fishing. From 1963 to 1992 it also had a pool, which is no longer there. The aquatic park will turn it into a water park complete with a pool, slide and lazy river. The $5 million construction project, which is expected to be completed next year, is part of the voter-approved 2014 bond. City council members repeatedly referred to the park as a hidden gem that would now get the attention it deserved.

“What we are doing here today is something that will allow people for generations to come to enjoy the greatness that is Winston Lake Park,” said City Council Member Derwin Montgomery, who represents the East Ward, which contains the park.

This was music to the ears of Marva Reid, president of the East Winston Neighborhood Association. For many years the East Ward has lacked a public swimming pool, something that Reid had been advocating to change. She plans to be among the swimmers who come out to enjoy the pool when it’s completed next year.

“I’m so excited for the children in the neighborhood because they get to benefit from this,” said Reid.

The aquatic park will have a variety of attractions:

*A pool that will be 82 feet long by 45 feet wide and range in depth from 3.5 to 5.6 feet.

*A shallow, zero-entry pool that’s 70 feet around with a 22-foot- tall water-play structure with sprinklers and slides.

*A water slide that will be more than 16 feet high and 111 feet long.

*A 625-foot lazy river complete with inner tubes provided.

*A 5,800 square-foot bathhouse with a covered outdoor concession area.

*A “water journey” simulated river with a waterfall and bamboo spray misters and water jets along the river channel.

There will also be new parking lots with 182 new parking spaces added to accommodate the expected crowds.

Recreation and Parks Director Tim Grant said he expects Winston Lake to become a major draw. Grant, who retires next week, said the park will have something for every-one.

“When this project is finished, I want you to find every person who can’t swim and get them over here,” he said.

Construction on the park was delayed earlier this year as the City Council looked for a bidder that could meet its criteria for minority participation.

Winston Lake Road between Waterworks Road and the lake is closed for construction on Monday and is expected to remain closed for 60 days. Customers renting shelters 2, 3 and 4 can access them by taking Greensboro Road to Winston Lake Road.