Splashdown Saved, For Now

Columbia Association officials have decided to make repairs to Splashdown, the waterslide attraction that opens in the fall, but it is still unclear whether the facility will be open long-term.

The Columbia Association (CA) board of directors recently voted 8-0 in favor of funding repairs to the stair tower, which will cost about $120,000, according to the The Howard County Times.

Bob Bellemy, CA's director of sports and fitness, said the slides would re-open in January or February, and that stair tower repairs could keep Splashdown open until late spring 2013.

Beyond that, the future of the attraction is less clear.

Columbia Association officials are in the process of reviewing the options for an aquatics program master plan that would include a long-term plan for the facility.

A task force has been created to advise board members and present recommendations early next year.

The twin water slides located at are more than 20 years old and the stair tower will not likely be the last major repair if the CA hopes to keep it open past the next few years, officials have said.

When CA Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rob Goldman earlier this month, he said the slide flumes will likely need to be replaced in the coming years. He estimated the cost of those repairs at around $250,000.

Several residents spoke to the Columbia Association board this month and said they wanted to see the CA save , said board member , on his blog, HoCo Rising.

 “Certainly there will be the opportunity for expansion and enhancement, but after hearing the residents speak tonight, we would be wise to honor what already exists,” he wrote.

If you would like a say in what the future holds for pools in Columbia, the task force will be holding two public meetings in October. The first will be held on Oct. 11 at the in Wilde Lake and the second on Oct. 12 at the .  Both will be at 7 p.m.