Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park facts for kids
Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park, often called just Cypress Cove, is a super fun waterpark in Woodridge, Illinois. It's designed to look like a bayou, which is a swampy area often found in the southern United States. The Woodridge Park District runs this exciting place.
A Splashy History
Cypress Cove first opened its doors in 1997. It cost about $5.9 million to build. In its first year, about 90,000 people visited!
In May 2007, the park decided to make some big improvements. They spent $3.6 million to add new things. These plans included a new spray park for little kids and pre-teens. They also improved the changing rooms. A new six-lane lap pool was built too. This expansion was very popular with people living in Woodridge.
Park Design and Theme
Cypress Cove was designed by Michael Williams. He wanted the park to feel like a bayou. This is why the buildings have special split-level roofs. They also have wood on the outside, called a facade.
The park's landscaping also helps with the bayou theme. You can see plants like daylilies and wild grasses. Even the fun features have "bayou-sounding names." Mr. Williams got ideas for the buildings from old cabins he saw in the Appalachian Mountains.
Awesome Features to Explore
Cypress Cove has many exciting things to do:
- Main Pool:
- It has a zero-depth entrance, which means you can walk right in like a beach.
- Up to 1,500 people can be in the pool at once.
- It covers 12,000 square feet (1,100 m2) of space.
- There's a 12-foot-deep (3.7 m) diving area.
- You can jump off a 1-meter diving board.
- Body Slides: There are three fast body slides.
- Drop Slide: This slide is 10-foot (3.0 m) tall and gives you a big splash!
- Tube Slide: Ride down this slide in a tube.
- Crazy River: Float along a 600-foot-long (180 m) river. It's 13-foot-wide (4.0 m) and fun to relax on.
- Kiddie Slide: A smaller slide just for younger kids.
- Water Bubblers: Fun spots where water bubbles up from the ground.
- Sand-play Area: A place where you can build sandcastles.
- Entertainment Stage: Sometimes there are shows or events here.
- Concession Stand: You can buy snacks and drinks when you get hungry.
Awards and Recognition
Cypress Cove has won many awards for being a great waterpark:
- Best Waterpark in Chicago - Chicago Magazine (2003)
- Favorite Summer Hotspot - 190 North (2003)
- Brochure Award - World Waterpark Association's Wave Review (2002)
- Excellence in the Aquatics Award - National Recreation & Park Association (1999)
- Daniel Flaherty Park Excellence Recognition Award (1998)
- Outstanding Aquatic Facility Award - Illinois Parks and Recreation Association (1997)
