Willow Springs Water Park
| Willow Springs | |
|---|---|
| Location | Little Rock, Arkansas, United States |
| Coordinates | 34°37′42″N 92°19′11″W / 34.628370°N 92.319778°W |
| Opened | 1928 |
| Closed | 2013 |
| Operating season | May through September |
| Water slides | 5 rides water slides |
| Website | Official Website |
Willow Springs is a Water park located in Little Rock, Arkansas.[1] It closed in July 2013 after a second reported rare parasitic infection was traced back to its waters and is now under renovation.
History & description
It was built in 1928. Willow Springs is a sandy bottom spring and well fed lake, similar to Maywood Beach in Mississippi. The water is chemically treated, chlorinated, pH balanced, and clear. Unlike most water parks, visitors can bring their own food and drinks into the park, though a restaurant called Upper Deck Café is located on site.
Season
Willow Springs was open from May through September each year.
Parasitic infections and closing
On July 26, 2013, the owner of the park shut it down indefinitely after a swimmer was diagnosed with a rare case of the parasitic infection Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, 3 years after another swimmer at the park died from the same illness.[2] The Arkansas Department of Health determined that the park may have been at higher risk because the water is shallow and heats up faster. The owner will re-open the park only if it is financially feasible to cover the bottom with concrete, as the parasite tends to live in the soil at the bottom of warm fresh water.[3]
Attractions
- Family Atmosphere
- 400 ft Waterslide
- Large Kiddie Pool and Playground Area
- Lifeguards on Duty
- Two Log Roll and Water Trampolines
- Lifejackets Available
- Covered Picnic Tables and Grills
- Group pricing available
- Water basketball, Volleyball, and Tetherball
- Swimming Lessons Available
- Horseshoe Pits
- Basketball and Soccer areas
References
- ^ "Willow Springs Water Park - Little Rock, Arkansas". Lasr.net. Retrieved 2013-07-27.
- ^ "Willow Springs Water Park water tests show fatal parasite, voluntarily shuts down". thv11.com. Retrieved 2013-07-27.
- ^ "Waterpark owner reacts to parasitic meningitis victim". KATV. 2013-07-13. Retrieved 2013-07-27.