Pam Dudding-Burch
Contributing writer
When kids and adults enter Randolph Water Park, which is surrounded by beautiful mountains, a certain level of excitement immediately fills the air, especially for those who have never been.
There is something for everyone – from toddlers to adults and even the most competitive of swimmers. They even have heated water!
The six million dollar state-of-the-art outdoor recreational facility features dozens of water activities.
For example, there is a turtle and crocodile that little kids can sit on and two kiddie slides. There is a mushroom waterfall and the tumbling pail where the pail fills up and dumps water down every minute or so.
There is also a separate kiddie pool with cool animals they can climb on with umbrellas and chairs for those watching their kids. There are shaded swimming and sitting areas as well.
Water squirts out of the bottom of the shallow pool area, and many family members like the idea of the water starting at less than an inch level, and going up to several feet, roped off in specific water level areas.
The main feature is the giant 38’ slide that circles down to the pool with water coming out of portholes pushing one down the slide faster around each turn.
Water basketball is also a fun activity, and the long eight-lane lap pool is open for those who wish to exercise.
There is ‘time out’ for the kids every hour. While this is happening, the lifeguards call ‘adult swim time.’
“Not only is this a great private time for the adults to swim, but it helps us , parents, to get the kids out of the water and in the shade to keep from sunburn or for a bite to eat during the day,” one parent shared.
The Park has also added a water purifying system. “No one has to suffer from red eyes, green hair, itchy skin or faded swimsuits,” Shay Dunnigan, the Parks and Activity Director, said.
“It has been a wonderful year! The weather could have cooperated a little better, but overall it was great.” Dunnigan said before adding that people from Craig County, Roanoke and Bluefield have driven the distance to enjoy everything that Randolph Water Park has to offer.
A variety of foods are sold at the snack bar, and a covered picnic area inside the pool area is provided. Giant umbrellas with tables and chairs scattered around the entire pool area can are also available.
And there is a bathhouse where one can shower before leaving.
Randolph Water Park is located in Pulaski County, on 87 acres of land, approximately two miles off of Interstate 81, Exit 98 on 5100 Alexander Road in Dublin, Virginia 24084.
It is very easy to find. From Craig, take Interstate 81 south and then take Exit 98 North on Route 100 towards Dublin. At the first stop light, (surrounded by various fast food restaurants), make a left onto Alexander Road. Randolph Park is approximately one mile on the right.
The County of Pulaski began construction in the fall of 2000. Funding came from Pulaski County, fundraisers and donations. There is also a camp, picnic shelters and much more on the property.
The Park Pool is open on weekends only from August 11 to September 2. Hours are as follows: Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Pricing information for the upcoming weekend is as follows; free admission for infants, $2.00 for children under two, $5.00 for attendees between 2 and 54 and $2.00 for those over the age of 55. All non-swimming patrons must pay full admission price. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.
“This is a great place for families to bring their kids to enjoy our pool and picnic shelter,” Dunnigan said. “Come and enjoy our park before it closes for the year.”
