Republic debuting $7M expansion to aquatic park

Memorial Day weekend is set to serve as the backdrop for the city of Republic's launch of its expanded aquatic park.

Tomorrow is the scheduled grand opening for the expanded and rebranded The Rush Republic Aquatic Park, according to social media announcements by the city. A ribbon-cutting event was held yesterday at the 711 E. Miller Road attraction, according to a LinkedIn post from Republic Mayor Eric Franklin.

"This incredible facility is more than just a water park; it's a hub for adventure, a haven for relaxation and a symbol of our community," Franklin said in the public LinkedIn post.

The roughly $7.4 million project represents the first expansion of the facility formerly known as Republic Aquatic Center in its roughly 20-year history, Springfield Business Journal previously reported.

Branco Enterprises Inc. served as general contractor for the expansion, with Sapp Design Associates Architects Inc. as project architect and SWT Design Inc. as landscape architect, according to past reporting.

The expansion doubles the size of the facility and adds terraces, patios, lounge space and a 575-foot lazy river, as well as a new pool house. Voters approved two quarter-cent sales taxes in August 2022, one to fund capital improvements, including the pool, and the other to pay for park operations.