Frances Meadows Splash Zone

This new aquatic center in Gainesville is getting a lot of buzz - and for good reason! It's very cool. The outdoor splash zone has two pools. One is a foot and a half deep and contains the huge play structure pictured above, as well as some other fun fountains and misters. The other pool has a zero depth entry, a lazy river, and, most impressively, two water-park quality waterslides.

Frances Meadows has lots of lifeguards who are constantly blowing the whistle - no surprise given how busy it is. In fact, visiting after dinner would be a great plan - you'll have lots more room and won't wait in line for the slides as long.

You can't bring food or drinks in, but the concession stand sells everything from water to snow cones to meals at moderate (not great, not outrageous) prices. Showers and bathrooms are clean and convenient.

It's a new facility, and there are a few kinks to work out. When we were there, the electricity shut off and everyone had to get off the stairs for the slide. Fortunately, no one was stuck in the middle of a water slide! Also, even though signs and rules require little ones to wear swim diapers (with helpful pictures of Little Swimmers!), someone let a child wear a regular diaper in the kiddie pool. It exploded and the pool had to be closed temporarily for cleaning. That's the second time I've seen that happen at a pool this summer: do people not know what happens to a regular diaper when it's immersed in water?

If you want to check out the Splash Zone, go soon: after school starts (August 10), it will only be open on weekends until September 27.

Good to know: You can find Frances Meadows easily off 985; get off on Jesse Jewel Parkway. The cost is free to children 2 and under; $4 for ages 3-54; and $2 for ages 55 and over for Hall County residents. The website says that non-Hall County residents will pay $6 and $3, respectively.