It's that time of year again, when brightly colored "funbrellas" begin to pop open in a countdown toward the opening day at Cape Splash.

Those driving past the water park on North Kingshighway may have noticed only a few closed umbrellas remain.

Cape Splash opens 11 a.m. Saturday for the 2015 summer season. This marks the water park's fifth year of operation.

Reaching that milestone isn't the only thing the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department has to celebrate this year. Crews are constructing a new speed slide in the park.

Once complete, the slide will have five flumes. It includes a three-lane mat racer that is 319 feet long and has a 30-foot tall tower; a 265-foot partially enclosed free-fall slide; and a 259-foot triple-drop slide.

An artist's rendering of Cape Splash's new speed slide, which should open next month. (Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department)

The Cape Girardeau City Council in March approved a contract with KCI Construction Co. for the slide. The project total, which included a contingency allowance in case of unforeseen or emergency costs, was nearly $1.27 million. Markey and Associates also received $78,000 for design and project management services. Revenue from the city's 1 percent restaurant tax has been dedicated to construction and design costs.

The department hoped the slide would be finished in time for Saturday's opening, but repeated rainy days have caused a delay.

"Weather hasn't exactly been on our side with the construction," said aquatic supervisor Patrick Watson.

Weather permitting, the speed slide is expected to be finished around mid-June.

The new slide has been touted by the parks and recreation department as a way to appeal to slightly older children. Once it's running, the speed slide will operate alongside the existing two-flume slide, the spray pad, leisure pool and lazy river. The range of amenities means the park has appeal to all members of the family, Watson explained.

"We literally have something for everyone this summer," he said.

That's also true for the events scheduled at Cape Splash and Central Municipal Pool.

Swimming lessons for children and adults are available at each facility. Those interested in signing up have the option to register online through "Active." The parks and recreation department recently launched the software, which includes portals for event registration and rental availability for select facilities -- including Cape Splash and Central pool. The website is apm.activecommunities.com/capeparks.

Cape Splash also will host to the annual youth triathlon again. The June 13 event includes running, swimming and biking components. Children as young as 3 may participate.

That same morning, adults may also participate in a biathlon that includes swimming and running. The combined events create an opportunity for the whole family to participate in activities, Watson said.

For children 8 and younger, the annual pirate/mermaid party will be June 20. It remains one of the most popular events at Cape Splash, Watson said.

"It's a lot of fun to put on, and the kids have a lot of fun with the arts and crafts, dueling pirates and walking the plank," he said.

Adults have a few events of their own, including the adult beach bash July 23.

"That's always been a fun event for adults in the evening time. It kind of breaks up the workweek and gives them an opportunity to come out and enjoy the park," said Watson.

There may be a larger crowd than usual hoping to come and enjoy both Cape Splash and Central pool. The water park's new slide is one draw, but some families may be anticipating this season simply to enjoy warmer weather. Last year, cooler temperatures persisted, making it a less than ideal time for a swim.

Last year, about 70,000 people visited Cape Splash, Watson said. Compared to the 2012 season, when the area was experiencing high temperatures and droughtlike conditions, that's about 20,000 fewer visitors who came through the gates.

Still, he said, 2014 wasn't a bad year. Even on the coolest days, the children visiting the park enjoyed trips down the slide and runs through the spray rings.

"Overall, it was successful," Watson said of last season. "Everyone came out and had fun."

Central pool had about 11,000 visitors last year. While it may not be at the forefront of the discussion when it comes to aquatics in Cape Girardeau, Watson said it remains a favorite place for locals and avid swimmers.

"We're very fortunate to have an Olympic-size pool in a city our size," he said. "Central pool does do a lot for the swimming community, and we're fortunate that it can be converted to indoors in the fall and winter months with the bubble."

Central pool opens May 30. Its hours throughout the summer are from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 1 to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday. It will be closed June 26 through 28 and July 18 for swim meets.

For opening week, operating hours at Cape Splash vary.

"We kind of have some unique opening week hours due to the late release from school in this area. Not many schools are out until next Thursday," he said.

From Saturday through Monday, the water park will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Operating hours for Tuesday through Thursday are from 4 to 7 p.m.

Beginning May 29, the park will operate throughout the summer from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. until reduced hours take effect in August.

Cape Splash season passes and gift cards may be purchased from the parks and recreation department at the Osage Centre, 1625 N. Kingshighway, or the A.C. Brase Arena Building, 410 Kiwanis Drive, during normal office hours. Central pool coupon books also may be bought at the Arena Building.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

1625 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, Mo.

1920 Whitener St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.

410 Kiwanis Drive, Cape Girardeau, Mo.

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Operating hours

Cape Splash

• May 23: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (opening day)
• May 24 and 25: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• May 26 - 28: 4 to 7 p.m.
• May 29 - Aug. 12: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Central Municipal Pool

• May 30: 1 to 7 p.m. (opening day)
• Monday - Thursday: 1 to 5 p.m.
• Friday - Sunday: 1 to 7 p.m.

(reduced hours begin Aug. 13)

Source: Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department