Williston Water World: a smash hit for kids, families

WILLISTON, N.D. (KUMV) - Outdoor aquatics are back in Williston 10 years after the Eckert Youth Pool shut down. Besides an outdoor pool, Williston Water World has many features the kids say they enjoy.

“It’s pretty cool. I like the obstacle course and the slides,” said Maddox Tolman.

Water World has two slides, the casual blue one and the enclosed orange one, which people say go pretty quickly.

“The orange one goes faster. While I’m down, I’m like, ‘oh my goodness,’” said Pacer Tolman.

With the ninja crossing obstacle course, people can pretend they’re on American Ninja Warrior, racing through several challenges.

“I’ve tried it a decent number of times. The left one is easier than the right one. I haven’t completed the right one yet. The monkey bars are really slippery, which makes it hard to keep your grip on it,” said Maddox.

When the Williston Community Builders first planned Williston Water World, they say the main goal was to provide a new, exciting activity for kids and their parents. Their efforts came to fruition on July 15 when they celebrated the grand opening.

“This isn’t a grand opening. It’s a grand beginning. A beginning of summers filled with joy, connection, and laughter. A beginning of new friendships, swimming lessons, cannonballs, and maybe the occasional sunburn,” said Emily Ramage-Geltel with the Community Builders.

Williston Water World is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays. It will stay open through Aug. 24.

Water World was entirely built through donations and volunteer efforts. Williston Parks and Recreation handles the operations.