Red Oaks Waterpark opening soon

MADISON HEIGHTS — Red Oaks Waterpark is set to open for the summer season June 25, and guests can look forward to the return of the popular River Ride after its closure last year due to staffing issues.

While the park continues to grapple with limited personnel, things are looking closer to how they were before COVID-19. Matt Pardy, the supervisor for Red Oaks County Parks, said that both Red Oaks Waterpark and Waterford Oaks Waterpark were “very much affected” by the pandemic and staffing issues resulting from it. Neither park was open in 2020, and last year, only Red Oaks Waterpark was open, with a reduced daily capacity and its River Ride closed.

“This summer, we’re still experiencing staffing issues that were made worse in part by the pandemic, but we don’t have any limitations on our water parks because of the pandemic,” Pardy said in an email. “We are back to a normal operation on the days we are open.”

Due to the personnel shortage, the water parks will share staff. Red Oaks Waterpark will be open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, while Waterford Oaks Waterpark will be open on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays. Hours at both locations are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Both will be closed on Wednesdays, and only Waterford Oaks Waterpark will be open during the Fourth of July holiday.

Admission rates for Red Oaks Waterpark are $22, discounted to $18 for county residents, and free for children ages 0-1. Tickets can be purchased online up to three days in advance. Tickets can also be purchased in person on days when the water park is open, but on-site sales stop one hour before closing or once the park has reached capacity.

For the start of the 2022 season, online ticket sales begin June 22.

Officials anticipate the return of the River Ride will be well-received by guests. The attraction is also incorporated into after-hours programming, with the River Walk program returning on Mondays and Wednesdays from July 6 to Aug. 17. People appreciate the program as a form of gentle exercise, walking with or against the water’s flow — perfect for those who recently had surgery, or who have had injuries to their hips or knees.

In addition to the River Ride, Red Oaks Waterpark features a wave pool, a triple-flume waterslide and a new children’s water playground that opened last year. Waterford Oaks Waterpark also features a wave pool and children’s water playground.

While the full suite of attractions are once again operational, the water parks continue to face a shortage of lifeguard staff, which was the main reason for modifying the schedule. The shortage has been trending nationwide for the last decade, and officials say it’s hard to pinpoint why.

According to the American Lifeguard Association, there is currently a lifeguard shortage in about one-third of public pools in the U.S. — a total of more than 300,000 pools. The organization attributes this in part to the pandemic, which disrupted training schedules in 2020, the effects of which continue to be felt. But the organization also points to low wages, where a lifeguard’s pay averages $10.33 an hour. Another issue is the expiration of visas and a temporary ban on J-1 visas for work-study programs.

While Red Oaks Waterpark has finalized its current team of lifeguards, with only one round of training remaining at press time, officials are already encouraging people to consider signing up for the next season. The hiring process begins in January — not only for the water parks, but for all 14 parks in the county parks system.

In terms of preparation, a lifeguard applicant goes through an initial 24 hours of training to learn all of the necessary skills. Upon being hired, a new lifeguard also undertakes an additional 20-25 hours of training on-site, as well as shadowing a veteran lifeguard. Only then will they begin watching the pool independently.

Red Oaks Waterpark has seen some other changes over the years, including the addition of new family restrooms. The slides have been repainted and refinished. Repairs were also made to the slide tower. Several roofs will be replaced after this season, as will the boilers for the wave pool and River Ride.

Desiree Stanfield, the marketing and communications supervisor for Oakland County Parks, said in an email that the water park has also become a day-trip destination for summer camps, and for celebrations such as birthdays and family reunions.

“Parks become gathering places for communities to share time with family and friends. Waterparks are a great way to spend a summer day,” Stanfield said. “Based on feedback and input on our Facebook posts, people are ready and excited to get out to the waterparks, get outdoors and spend time together.”