River Country Family Water Park Creates Quite a Splash
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River Country Family Water Park has been a refreshing summer destination for Muskogee residents for 10 years.
The park was an instant hit when it opened in 2001 as part of the Love-Hatbox Sports Complex. The much-needed recreation destination is situated on land that was once home to a historic airport.
The airfield was eventually abandoned, and the city of Muskogee ultimately decided to convert it into a sports complex, with the water park sitting in the middle of the 400-acre site. These days, about 800 people visit River Country each day during the warm-weather months.
Attractions there include two large water slides, a lazy river, swimming pools, a sandy beach and a Crawdad Corner with interactive spray features and slides for small children. A climbing wall is also available for an additional fee.
The pool attracts visitors from up to an hour away, in part because it is sized right for families. It is large enough to satisfy all ages, though not too vast to worry moms and dads.
To celebrate its 10-year anniversary, in June 2009 the water park hosted activities such as a fashion show, belly flop contest and (toy) turtle race.
River Country also offers a variety of fundraising opportunities for local charities. The facility also offers swimming lessons and aquatic fitness classes throughout the summer.
The water park is a major attraction throughout the region. City officials estimate that 50 percent of participants who use the facility come from outside of Muskogee within a 30-mile radius.
Only 120 acres of Love-Hatbox are currently being used today, and officials say that the remaining 280 acres are for the city to develop whenever the time is right.
Story by Kevin Litwin
