Dona Reynolds, Blog: August 2009

Thank You Mike Mueller: 

Over the summer the pool saw thousands of visitors, even for a summer with not so many hot days! 

Aquatic Park is a awesome place for an entire day or even just a few hours.  Many families and companies also take advantage of the park and book their family reunion, birthday parties and company picnics at the pool.  The park is so attractive and above all is an attraction that competes right up with the best water parks in the area.  People love to go because it is close and inexpensive fun! 

 The plans for this state of the art facility began early in 2000.  Many surrounding communities had facilities with features like water-slides, lazy rivers and tot play areas and citizens of St. Joseph frequently would travel great distances to use them.   St. Joseph decided to design a water park that would serve the public with plans for this facility to not only be as good as the surrounding areas, but better! 

After many hours of time and dedication the pool opened on June 3, 2005.   The pool ‘wowed' people as they attended the grand opening.  The pool was built to accommodate 1,300 people, but over 3,500 attended opening day.  The park includes a play area, kiddie area, 203' open water-slide and a 265' enclosed water-slide, 300 foot lazy river, zero depth beach entry area combined with bubblers, waterfalls, and regular pool area including diving boards. 

 Swimming sessions are 11am to 7pm daily, and optional activities include private rentals, birthday party packages and American Red Cross Swim lessons.  Over 100 employees and ½ million gallons of water provide service to over 53,000 swimmers per year.  Best of all-the swimming pool is able to once again meet the needs of the citizens of St. Joseph!

things to do and visit in St Joseph

Pony Express Statue...Public Art...St Joseph MO 64501

The Pony Express monument, is located on the corner of Tenth and Frederick streets in downtown               St. Joseph, Missouri.

The bronze horse and rider is a heroic statue created by Hermon A. MacNeil, a famous sculptor, who also carved the murals for many state capitals, and the United States Supreme Court figurine in Washington, DC.

The Pony Express Statue was unveiled in St. Joseph on April 20, 1940 commemorating the 80^th anniversary of the Pony Express.  The Pony Express was the fastest mail delivery between St. Joseph, MO and Sacramento, CA.  The Pony Express continued to run until the telegraph was completed on October 24, 1861.  The horse appears to be leaping ahead with the support of the rider, showing how the riders took pride in their journeys.

The statue was $16,000 and weighed two tons.  It was a part of the $63,000 Civic Center bond issue that passed on August 5, 1938, with bonds providing 55% of the cost.  Postmaster General James Farley was present for the unveiling.

Today the statue remains in good condition.  Visitors like to stop and take their picture by the statue for their memory books, proof that they visited St. Joseph, the Home of the Pony Express! 

In 2010 the Pony Express will celebrate its 150^th Anniversary.  The St. Joseph Convention & Visitors Bureau, Pony Express Museum and Patee House Museum have many events planned to celebrate the anniversary, for more information on the sesquicentennial please visit stjomo.com.

For additional info on St Joseph