Joellen descends a water slide.

I know this isn’t a secret to many of you, but Marietta has a simply wonderful water park. I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit to the Marietta Aquatic Center at Indian Acres Park recently.

I have often heard of this gem that was opened in 2004, but until recently had not made the trip south to enjoy the refreshing attraction. The $3.3 million facility features a beach-like gradual entry pool, splash playground, lazy river, and two giant water slides. That is in addition to a traditional lap pool and plenty of space in the main pool area.

Several members of my family and I went to the park Monday and had a great time. The older kids mostly made repeated climbs and descents on the big slides, Joellen did the same on the smallest slide on the pirate ship, and our other youngster in tow enjoyed the splash playground. I prefer the lazy river myself. There was certainly something for everyone.

And the best part? It is all so very close and the price of admission is only $5 for youth ages three to 17 and $6 for adults. I highly recommend you visit the park before it closes for the season, or certainly next summer. It is quite a treat!

For more information visit www.mariettaoh.net/government/public_facilities/aquatic_center or call (740) 373-2445.