(Columbus, Neb.) - The Pawnee Plunge water park is set to commence its summer season on Memorial Day weekend, featuring new daily pass options. To cover the increased costs of operating the facilities, City Parks and Recreation officials have introduced a new admission structure.
Pawnee Plunge
With an array of exciting features such as a 3-meter platform dive, lazy river, and FlowRider, the Pawnee Plunge is among Nebraska's largest water parks. Additionally, the Parks and Recreation team has created a "Household/Family option" priced at $400, which allows up to six individuals residing at the same address (including a caregiver) to enter. For households with over six people, extra individuals can be added at a cost of $60 per person.
The Pawnee Plunge water park has increased the known "Group of Six" rate to $600 for the summer, which permits a group of people from any address to enter the park. The previous rate of $300 was not profitable for the Parks and Recreation team.
Consequently, they created a household membership rate of $400, which includes up to six individuals from the same address, along with a caregiver, and an option to add extra people for $60 per person. For individuals, a season pass for $125 or a new punch card system with 25 or 50 entries for $125 and $200, respectively, is available. Daily passes are also available at $10 for children aged 4 and up, with free entry for those under 3 years old. The park offers group rates for five and ten people at $40 and $70 per day, respectively, while a FlowRider bracelet costs $3 per day.
Additionally, the park is open from noon to 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, with a break for fitness programs and swimming lessons from 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Those who have used the punch card during the day are not required to use another punch to regain entry for evening hours. The punch card system is an excellent alternative for individuals who frequent the park regularly but do not want to purchase the "Group of Six" pass. The park's daily bracelet, five and ten-person group rates, and evening hour entry allow people to enjoy the park with their friends or a group of people they do not live with.
The new rates for the Pawnee Plunge are not solely due to the rise in chemical costs. The Parks & Recreation Department made adjustments to cover the expenses of hiring staff, including lifeguards, training and certification, and to offer competitive wages. The current minimum wage in Nebraska is $10.50 per hour, but the department raised lifeguards' pay to $14 per hour in 2022, which is $3 more than before.
The department wanted to be ahead of the minimum wage increase that will occur after Nebraska Initiative 433 was passed by voters in November 2022. Over 70 lifeguards have been employed for the summer, with dozens being scheduled to ensure adequate rest and sharpness when on duty. Other staff members have been hired to oversee slides and concessions. The department sees this as an opportunity to bring excitement, with their staff being "phenomenal" and "very excited".
Although some residents have raised concerns about the new rates, Parks and Recreation staff members emphasize that the adjustments are overdue and aimed at ensuring that the Pawnee Plunge remains a fun and safe place for everyone in the years ahead.
The motto of the Plunge is "Safety, Customer Service, and Teamwork," and the department wants to continue providing the community around Columbus with a great place to swim and work opportunities for its youth. The Plunge will open on May 27th for the summer season.
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