A million gallons on tap for park fun

Think of Tony Ruberto as the grand master of Sun-N-Fun Lagoon.

When he's done working his magic, the water slides, pools and pathways populated by contractors last week will be replaced with laughing and joyous children on the first day of summer.

Project manager of Collier County's Parks and Recreation Department, Ruberto strolls relaxedly through the 212-acre site in North Collier Regional Park, casually greeting workers, chatting with guests, and holding two and three conversations at once, courtesy of his ever-ringing cell phone.

On Tuesday, he was pointing out where water already has been pumped.

So far, Ruberto's crew hasn't fired up all three of the pumps — with a combined capacity to splash out a million gallons of water daily — but he hikes up to the 38-foot-high platform to explain how the kids will have to scamper up four flights of wooden steps each time they want to waterslide back down.

The climb is a challenge for the aerobically impaired, but does provide a complete view of the park that had been in the planning stages for the past eight to 10 years.

Three water chutes descend 40 feet: two completely enclosed, and an open one for those given to claustrophobia attacks.

There also are pools with short, gradual slides for younger children; a toddler wading pool; a pool in which one can dive or swim laps; a brightly-colored, multi-sprinkler system through which little ones can run; and a lazy river experience, in which mechanically controlled water flow will calmly move inner tubes through the numerous tributaries.

Contractors were trying to finish the lazy river quickly last week.

Construction on the vast playground started in November 2004, Ruberto says.

"It's 18 months (of continuous work), give or take a few hurricanes," Ruberto says.

Tuesday is a somewhat hazy day, and Ruberto has left his Australian outback-style hat in his van, but promises that there will be plenty of shelter from Southwest Florida's sweltering summer sun.

That includes a massive gymnasium, fitness center, food concession stands, and locker and shower rooms.

Camden Smith, spokeswoman for the county's recreation department, said there also will be an elevated boardwalk through a wetlands preserve area, and a walking trail measuring more than two miles.

Park entry will cost $5.50 for each child measuring fewer than 48 inches; $10 for anyone measuring 48 inches or taller. Entry is free for children who are 3 years old or younger.

While county officials are not offering annual prepaid discounted passes to the water park, or discounts for county residents, officials are pitching membership for $300 a year to the park's fitness center.

Construction costs at the publicly owned park are expected to total almost $54 million. County officials anticipate $1.4 million in revenues for 2006, but $1.6 million in operational costs.

While county officials will have to analyze attendance trends at the close of the current fiscal year on Sept. 30, they are counting on 1,200 visitors a day.

•••

North Collier Regional Park

• Where: Off Livingston Road, just north of Vanderbilt Beach Road.

• Grand opening: June 21, from 4 to 7 p.m.

• Regular hours:

June 1 to Sept. 15: Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 to Oct. 31: Monday though Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Nov. 1 to Jan. 31: closed.

Feb. 1 to March 15: Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

March 16 to May 31: Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• More information: call 353-0404 or see the Web site www.colliergov.net/parks .