Randolph Park Celebrates Record-Breaking June as Evelyn Alexander Waterpark Surpasses 21,000 Visits

DUBLIN, VA – Pulaski County Parks & Recreation is celebrating an extraordinary start to the summer season as the Evelyn Alexander Waterpark has welcomed more than 21,000 individual visits since opening for its 25th Anniversary Season on May 25. The milestone highlights another exceptional summer for Randolph Park, which continues to serve as Pulaski County’s premier outdoor recreation destination while attracting visitors from across Southwest Virginia and beyond.

 

From regional athletic tournaments and competitive swim meets to family events, fitness programming, youth camps, and community celebrations, June showcased the incredible diversity of recreation opportunities available throughout Randolph Park.

 

“Welcoming more than 21,000 guests through the gates of the Evelyn Alexander Waterpark in just over a month is an incredible accomplishment,” said Jenna Kinder, Assistant Director of Pulaski County Parks & Recreation. “What makes us even more proud is seeing every corner of Randolph Park filled with activity. Families are making memories, athletes are competing, campers are exploring, and visitors are discovering everything our community has to offer.

Randolph Park truly has become the outdoor recreation hub of Pulaski County.”

 

Throughout June, the Evelyn Alexander Waterpark welcomed summer camps from Pulaski County, Radford City, Montgomery County, Wythe County, Blacksburg, Roanoke County, and West Virginia, introducing hundreds of campers to one of Southwest Virginia’s premier aquatic destinations. The department also partnered with Pulaski County Public Schools to host Camp Ignite, providing daily swimming opportunities for campers and staff during two weeks of programming.

 

June also marked the successful launch of the Randolph Park Riptides Swim Team, which attracted an impressive 70 swimmers in its inaugural season. The Riptides compete in the Southwest Virginia Swim League, and Randolph Park proudly hosted its first league swim meet on June 23, welcoming athletes and families from across the region.

 

Fitness and wellness programming continued to flourish with more than 60 participants taking part in weekly Aqua Zumba classes each Wednesday evening. Saturday morning Adult Lap Swim sessions have also provided adults with a dedicated opportunity to train and enjoy the waterpark before opening to the public.

 

The waterpark served as an important community training venue throughout the month, hosting aquatic exercises for the United States Army Reserve, water safety training for participants in the Pulaski County Youth Firefighter Camp, and ongoing lifeguard in-service training to ensure the highest standards of safety for guests throughout the summer season.

 

Despite several weather-related challenges throughout June, Randolph Park successfully hosted its first Evening Swim event of the season, giving families another opportunity to enjoy the facility outside of normal operating hours.

 

Activity extended well beyond the waterpark. Randolph Park welcomed four weekend travel baseball and softball tournaments, drawing athletes and families from throughout the region while generating valuable tourism and economic activity for Pulaski County. The park’s popular sand volleyball courts hosted tournament competition, while the disc golf course welcomed tournament play for competitors of all skill levels.

 

The department also celebrated local student-athletes during its annual Spring SportsFest, providing complimentary admission to the waterpark and ice cream treats for spring sports participants. Visitors also enjoyed the DAK Lights 250th Celebration Light Show, adding another unique attraction as communities across the nation commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.

 

In addition, Randolph Park continues to host the NFL FLAG Football League each Sunday, bringing hundreds of youth athletes and their families to the park throughout June and into July.

 

As Randolph Park enters the busiest stretch of the summer season, the momentum shows no signs of slowing down. The Evelyn Alexander Waterpark will host another Southwest Virginia Swim League regular-season meet on July 7, followed by one of the region’s premier aquatic events as Randolph Park welcomes teams from across Southwest Virginia for the Southwest Virginia Swim League Championship Meet on July 13-14.

 

July will also feature another Sand Volleyball Tournament event and the opportunity to welcome participants in the American Exchange Project Hometown Week, introducing students from across the country to the recreation opportunities, hospitality, and natural beauty of Pulaski County.

 

The summer season will conclude with one of Randolph Park’s signature family events, the annual Back to School Pool Bash on August 7, giving families one final celebration before students return to the classroom. For more information about Randolph Park, the Evelyn Alexander Waterpark, upcoming events, tournaments, and recreation programs, visit www.recreation.pulaskicounty.org or follow Pulaski County VA Parks & Recreation on Facebook.