THE COVE, A STATE-OF-THE-ART WATER PARK at the Jurupa Aquatics Center, is getting rave reviews from area residents eager for a place where they can take their children to cool off and relax during Riverside County's warm summer months.
"It's wonderful, especially when it gets really hot," said Maria Carrillo of Indian Hills. ""It's a very nice place."
"Now we don't have to drive so far to be in a park like this," said her friend, Anna Lua, also of Indian Hills. "You can get some exercise by walking up here, then cool off in the park."
About 3,000 people attended a recent grand opening of The Cove at 4310 Camino Real, south of Highway 60 between Jurupa Road and Limonite Avenue. The Cove, which was developed by the Riverside County Economic Development Agency, will be operated by the Riverside County Park and Open Space District. The project created more than 100 seasonal jobs and 3 full-time jobs.
"It takes a lot of people to make something like this happen," Rob Field, Assistant County Executive Officer/EDA, said in thanking all of the county staff members and elected officials who worked on the project.
The Cove also marks a new day for the Park and Open Space District, which is known primarily for its work providing hiking trails, camping sites and other outdoor activities away from developed areas of the county.
"This is our first jump, head first, into active recreation," Kyla Brown, the district's recreation and tourism chief, said at the grand opening. "I wish everyone a fun and safe time, and I hope you come back many times over the summer."
The Cove is adjacent to a competition-sized swimming pool that is used jointly with Patriot High School/Riverside Aquatics Association. But swimming is not the main focus at The Cove. Instead, the park includes games, rides and play areas where people of all ages can cool off by splashing around in, on and under thousands of gallons of water in wading pools, pirate ships and water slides.
Much of the activity occurs in Captain's Bay, an activity pool in the middle of the "Treasure Cove," that bristles with excitement. At the Lil' Mate's Lagoon, children play in a pirate-themed splash playground. A large bucket slowly fills with water, then sounds a warning bell before dumping all the water onto youngsters who have gathered below in anticipation of a good soaking. The Ne'er Endin' River, which winds through the park, uses a gentle current to propel riders on inflated water toys around the shallow river's path.
Surfers and bodyboarders flock to Riptide Reef, which allows surfers to ride continuous waves that are fired at them by a FlowRider®, a machine anchored to one end of a small pool, much like the attraction found on many large cruise ships. The Crow's Nest features three 180-feet water slides.
Food is available from the Backyard Grille and a large lawn with deck chairs and a sound system offers refuge for parents or anyone taking a break from the water play. Restrooms and lockers make staying the day an enjoyable and easy experience. With a multi-purpose room, picnic area and terraced lawn area, The Cove is a great place for a birthday party.
"We're very pleased to have this facility," said Laura Roughton, speaking at the grand opening as the chairperson-elect for the City Council of the City of Jurupa Valley, which formally incorporated on July 1. "I am amazed at the partnerships that were created to make this happen. Our city is truly blessed to have this here."
The Cove is open daily from 11am–5pm. Season passes and group rates are available. Residents of the Jurupa Valley—zip codes 92509 and 91752—enjoy half-price admission on Tuesdays, a 10 percent discount on season passes and 20 percent off on group rates.
Caribbean Nights, featuring half-off admission prices, are held each Friday from 6pm–9pm. Captain JAC Party Packs are available, as are private and group surf lessons.
For more information, visit www.CoveWaterpark.com or call 951.360.1974.
More photos of The Cove
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