The REEF at Columbia Park
Come Splash with Rory!
The REEF is Calling!
Physical Address: Columbia Park, Park Hills, MO 63601
Mailing Address: 9 Bennett Street, Park Hills, MO 63601
Phone: (573) 327-8063 | Email: TheREEF@parkhillsmo.gov
Daily Hours for General Admission:
- May through August
- 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 7 Days a Week
Admission & Rental Fees
Affordable Aquatic Fun for All Ages
Dive into endless fun at The REEF at Columbia Park, where aquatic adventures await visitors of all ages at unbelievably budget-friendly rates. Leave your worries on the shore and immerse yourself in a world of refreshing thrills and unforgettable memories that won't sink your wallet.
General Admission Pricing:
- Ages 2 and Under - FREE
- Ages 3-12 - $4
- Ages 13 and Up - $5
Season Passes (Unlimited Entry):
- Individual Pass: $65
- Family Pass (2 people): $120
- Family Plus Pass (up to 5 people): $175
*For family passes, all members must live in the same household.* Applications for Season Passes are available on our Forms Page under the Parks & Rec Forms Tab.
We gladly accept cash, credit, debit cards, and the Perfect Pick Community Gift Card! A small transaction fee applies to credit and debit transactions.
With these irresistible pricing options, families can indulge in quality time together without making waves in their budgets. Experience the joy of splashing, swimming, and creating cherished memories that will ripple through generations – all within reach at The REEF.
Celebrate in Style at The REEF!
Make your special occasion truly memorable by hosting a pool party at The REEF! Our facility offers the perfect setting for unforgettable celebrations, with pool party rentals available in two-hour time slots:
- 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- 7:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
The rental fee is $250 and includes access for unlimited guests up to the facility's capacity.
To secure your party, a $125 non-refundable deposit is REQUIRED at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due before the start of your celebration.
During your rental period, you and your guests will have exclusive access to the entire facility, including the exciting splash pad, ensuring a truly immersive aquatic experience!
Ready to book your party? Here's how:
- Download and complete The REEF Reservation Form from our Forms Page.
- Visit or call City Hall to confirm availability for your desired date and time.
- Pay the $125 non-refundable deposit to secure your booking.
Remember, your party is not officially booked, and the date & time are not guaranteed until the deposit has been paid at City Hall.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to create lasting memories at The REEF! Book your pool party today, and get ready to make a splash!
Sign up for a 5-week swim lesson! Just $25 per person! Two sessions to fit your schedule. Contact City Hall for more details!
Refuel and Recharge at The REEF Concessions
After working up an appetite from all the splashing and swimming fun, visitors can refuel and recharge at The REEF Concessions Stand. Our menu offers a variety of delicious options to satisfy every craving:
- Pizza: Piping hot slices of cheesy, saucy goodness.
- Nachos: A tasty pile of crunchy chips smothered in melted cheese.
- All-Beef Hot Dogs: A classic poolside favorite, grilled to perfection.
- Giant Pretzels: Warm, soft, and perfect for sharing!
- Potato Chips: Grab a bag of crispy, salty chips for a tasty snack.
- Candy Bars: Indulge your sweet tooth with an assortment of beloved chocolate treats.
- Ice Cream & Popsicles: Chill out with ice cream and popsicles, perfectly sweet, icy delights.
- Refreshing Beverages: Stay hydrated with a selection of ice-cold sodas, water, and Gatorade.
Whether you're in the mood for a savory snack or a refreshing thirst-quencher, The REEF Concessions has got you covered. Fuel up and dive back into the aquatic adventures!
Pool Amenities
A large pool suitable for lap swimming and recreational activities, with varying depths to accommodate swimmers of all skill levels.
An interactive water playground featuring a variety of sprinklers, fountains, and other water-based elements, perfect for children to cool off and have fun.
A gradually sloping entrance into the pools, allowing for easy access and catering to individuals with mobility concerns or those who prefer a more gradual entry.
This exhilarating water slide is designed for riders to descend through a tunnel of twists and turns, on their backs or stomachs, providing an intense rush of speed and excitement.
A gently flowing, meandering river that allows visitors to leisurely float on inner tubes or other floatation devices, designed with a shallow depth and gentle current, making it suitable for all ages and swimming abilities. Featuring the iconic Rory the Whale statue at a central point, providing a whimsical and photo-worthy attraction along the river's path.
A smaller slide designed specifically for younger swimmers, featuring a large bucket at the top that periodically dumps water, providing a fun and interactive experience for children.
A spacious and partially submerged deck area, providing a perfect spot for sunbathers to bask in the warm rays while enjoying the refreshing water. Constructed with non-slip, heat-resistant materials for safety and comfort.
Both a Volleyball Net and Basketball Hoop were installed in one of the pools, creating a designated area for recreational games and competitions. The shallow depth allows players to stand and maneuver freely while enjoying classic games with a refreshing twist. Beat the heat and stay active in this unique space that combines physical activity with the cooling embrace of the water.
Reviving Aquatic Traditions: The Tale of The REEF
A Cherished Legacy: Comes to a Close
The Flat River/Park Hills Swimming Pool, once located in Columbia Park, holds a storied history that spans over six decades. Its grand opening in July 1958 marked the beginning of an enduring legacy, providing generations of residents with a beloved summer oasis. For an impressive 63 years, this community treasure served as a gathering place, fostering countless memories and traditions.
Despite surpassing the average lifespan of a pool by a considerable margin, the unwavering dedication of the City's employees enabled the facility to remain operational, a testament to their commitment to preserving this cherished asset. However, as the years took their toll, the pool's deterioration became too severe, and escalating maintenance costs rendered further repairs untenable, leading to its inevitable closure at the end of the 2021 swim season. While bidding farewell to this iconic landmark was bittersweet, the Flat River/Park Hills Pool left an indelible mark on the community's collective history.
A Visionary Plan for a State-of-the-Art Aquatic Oasis
Even before the old pool's closure, a dedicated committee comprising City Council members and Park Hills residents was formed to spearhead the development of a new, improved swimming facility. Their visionary plan aimed to create a state-of-the-art aquatic oasis that would redefine the community's recreational experience.
The proposed design included a pool house equipped with an air-conditioned office and guard shack for first aid and employee safety, as well as surveillance systems, outdoor speakers for music and announcements, and night lighting for extended hours and movie nights. A concession stand would offer a variety of refreshments, from pizza and pretzels to beverages, catering to every craving.
The aquatic centerpiece would boast a zero-entry pool leading to various water features, including spray features and bucket dumps, ensuring endless fun for visitors of all ages. A sun deck, partially submerged, would provide a perfect spot for sunbathers, while a lazy river would meander around the iconic Rory the Whale statue. Lap lanes, complete with a volleyball net and basketball hoop, would cater to fitness enthusiasts and competitive swimmers alike. Furthermore, a 1,735-square-foot splash pad with spray features would offer aquatic enjoyment even during the off-season.
Accessibility was a top priority, with the inclusion of an electronic lift chair ensuring that the facility could be enjoyed by all. This comprehensive plan promised to transform the community's aquatic experience, offering a world-class destination that seamlessly blended recreation, relaxation, and inclusivity.
Community Rallies Behind an Ambitious Aquatic Vision
In late 2021, plans were announced for a Proposition Swim Bond Issue that would fund a $3.5 million pool replacement project. If approved by voters, property owners could expect an approximate increase of $0.41 per $100 of assessed valuation on their real estate taxes, enabling the sale of General Obligation Bonds to finance the ambitious endeavor.
Recognizing the transformative potential of this initiative, a group of 15 dedicated citizens formed Park Hills Citizens for PROP Swim, embarking on a comprehensive public awareness campaign. Through newspaper articles, radio interviews, flyer distributions, and three public forums, they tirelessly educated the community about the bond issue's merits and addressed any concerns.
Their efforts paid off tremendously in April 2022, when an impressive three-quarters of voters approved PROP Swim, paving the way for the construction of a world-class aquatic center that would redefine recreational opportunities for generations to come.
Groundbreaking Marks the Start of an Ambitious Aquatic Vision
On March 27th, 2023, a groundbreaking ceremony marked the commencement of an ambitious project – the construction of a state-of-the-art 2,600 square-foot aquatic facility with a staggering 133,860-gallon pool. With the ceremonial first shovels hitting the ground, Brockmiller Construction and Incite Design Studio embarked on bringing this ambitious aquatic vision to life, a testament to the community's dedication to providing world-class recreational opportunities for its residents.
The REEF at Columbia Park: A Name Rooted in Community
In October 2023, City Officials unveiled the name for the highly anticipated new aquatic center: "The REEF at Columbia Park." This name holds a deeper significance, paying homage to the four towns – Rivermines, Elvins, Esther, and Flat River – whose union formed the City of Park Hills. By incorporating the initial letters of these historic communities into the acronym "REEF," the name celebrates the area's rich heritage while symbolizing the coming together of four towns to create something truly remarkable. This thoughtful naming choice not only reflects the spirit of unity but also serves as a constant reminder of the shared roots that have nourished and sustained the community over generations.
In early May 2024, the City announced the admission prices and fee structure for the new REEF at Columbia Park, reflecting a commitment to keeping the facility accessible to all. The Pool Committee and City Council worked diligently to ensure affordable pricing, evident in the modest $5 entry fee for ages 13 and up – a mere $3 increase from the $2 fee charged during the final 2021 swimming season at the old pool. Compared to surrounding communities charging over $10 per person, the REEF's $5 admission for an entire state-of-the-art swimming facility is an absolute bargain. Furthermore, children aged 3-12 receive a $1 discount, and those under 2 enter free of charge, ensuring that families can enjoy aquatic fun without breaking the bank.
On May 21st, 2024, after a two-year hiatus, the City of Park Hills celebrated the grand opening of its stunning new aquatic center, The REEF at Columbia Park, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Nearly 100 community members, including City Council members, City staff, Chamber of Commerce investors, Pool & Prop Swim Committee members, project engineers, and residents, gathered to commemorate this historic event.
The excitement for the new facility was palpable as the community was given the opportunity to not only tour but also experience The REEF's amenities free of charge. The turnout exceeded expectations, with the center reaching full capacity twice within just two hours, as more than 600 eager visitors showed up to embrace this extraordinary new outdoor recreational space.
A highlight of the grand opening event was the dedication of Rory the Whale, a beloved swimming pool fixture and community favorite. This massive concrete whale, built by Pete Harris in 1963, was originally situated at the Flat River Swimming Pool, where it delighted generations of children by spewing water in the kiddie pool section until the pool's closure in 2021.
When plans were made to demolish the old pool and build the new REEF facility, it was unanimously agreed that Rory, a recognizable icon, must remain. After 58 years of service, Rory was in a brittle, nearly broken state, so he was carefully removed and repaired during construction of the new pool. Now restored to his former bright blue glory, Rory has found a new home at the REEF in Columbia Park.
The dedication ceremony welcomed Rory to his new location and honored his creator, the late Pete Harris. Six of Harris' nine children, along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other family members, attended the event, celebrating the enduring legacy of this community treasure.