Raleigh's new indoor aquatics center to open Sept. 18

I finally have an answer to the most common question I've gotten from readers this summer: When is Buffaloe Road Aquatics Center in Raleigh ever going to open?

The answer: Sept. 18!

This indoor aquatics center at 5908 Buffaloe Rd. between New Hope Road and Interstate 540, will be a major addition for families around here. Not only does it include a 6,000-square-foot recreation pool, there's also a three-story waterslide (!!!), current channel, water vortex, water basketball, water volleyball, three lap lanes and more.

Some rules: The custom three-story waterslide is reserved for swimmers who are at least 48 inches tall. People who are less than 48 can use the water vortex or current channel only when with somebody 16 years or older who is at least 48 inches tall.

For little ones, you'll find a zero-depth entry pool with tot-size water tumblers, water curtain and slide.

Yes, you will be able to host your child's birthday party there. There is a rentable party room. The city will begin taking requests for birthday parties and other group rentals on Oct. 1 for the period of Nov. 1 to Dec. 31. It begins Dec. 4 for the period from January to April. (I don't have the rates right now). The center also will have swim lessons.

Once it opens on Sept. 18, hours will be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday. It's closed Mondays.

The waterslide, vortex and current channel will be open 12:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6:45 p.m., Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday.

Lap swim times will be noon to 5 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Friday; and noon to 3 p.m., Saturday.

You'll be able to buy single-day tickets and passes for the center. Single-day admission ranges from $3 for kids 1 to 12 to $7 for ages 13 to 54 for city residents. The cost is $6 for ages 1 to 12 and $14 for ages 13 to 54 for non-residents. The cost is $5 for city residents who are 55 and up and $10 for non-residents of the same age.

A 10-entry membership pass for the center starts at $24 for city residents who are ages 1 to 12 and $48 for non-residents of the same age group. It's $56 for city residents ages 13 to 54 and $112 for non-residents. For ages 55 and over, the cost is $40 for city residents and $80 for non-residents.

As many of you know, the center was slated to open months ago. Various construction issues have held up the opening of this massive project.

As one poster on our Facebook page just wrote about the opening: "Finally!"