Adventure Oasis Water Park

Adventure Oasis Water Park

2100 Hub Drive

Independence, MO

816.325.SWIM

www.ci.independence.mo.us/parksandrec/oasispark.stm

I spent most of the summers of my youth as a swimmer or lifeguard at our local Parks & Recreation pool. Meadowhill Pool, my home away from home, consisted of a T-shaped pool ideal for local swim meets and free swim as well as a diving area that featured three diving boards. Off to the side was a rectangular baby pool that was two feet deep at the shallow end and three feet deep at the opposite end. Entertainment at this pool meant challenging yourself on the diving boards or playing yet another game of Marco Polo.

Most suburban children today would be quite bored at the pool I’ve just described since they are fortunate to have new and improved water parks and aquatic centers that have replace the simple pools of my youth.

One such complex is the Adventure Oasis Water Park in Independence. Operated by the Parks & Recreation department, this new facility is definitely worth the drive!

Whether you want to relax with a float down a 900-foot lazy river that circles most of the park, take a dip in the 25-yard lap pool and diving area, ride the three separate water slides, or relax on the spacious sun deck. With so much to do, it really is the perfect water park experience.

I am impressed by the variety of all that I see. Three waterslides are available for swimmers: a 300 foot raft slide, a 210 foot open flume slide and a 195 foot tube slide. My boys will love racing down all three until the seats of their swimsuits are warn thin! Like most of these slides, riders need to be a certain height so call ahead so your little swimmer won’t be disappointed.

Another favorite for my boys will be the floating water pads where they can test their balance. They have enjoyed this water feature when we’ve visited the Great Wolf Lodge. For the youngest splashers there’s Buckaroo Beach which features a zero-depth entry and over 6,000 square feet of family-oriented fun. And because you need to refuel after hours of splishing and splashing, the Oasis Grill will meet your snack time needs.

The children of Independence are quite fortunate to be able to call this amazing facility their summer home away from home. Had this been the pool of my youth, I may have become a professional lifeguard!