As the floodwaters continue to recede throughout the region, St. Louis area residents can finally relax, knowing their favorite Independence Day pastimes will not be interrupted by additional flooding. Raging Rivers WaterPark in Grafton, Ill. also has reason to celebrate. Not only will the waterpark be reopening for the first time in over a week this Friday, but July 4^th is a significant date for the park's owners as it was on Independence Day in 1990 that Raging Rivers made its debut as the region's first waterpark. Once again operating under its normal business hours, the park is set to welcome area water enthusiasts who want to come out to celebrate the holiday and get a bird's eye view of the Mississippi as it retreats into its banks.

"Although the floodwaters never reached Raging Rivers WaterPark, they caused a big hassle for us and area residents by covering the roads surrounding the park, but now the river is finally receding," said Larry Smith, president and general manager of Raging Rivers WaterPark. "After being closed for a week, we are thrilled the flooding won't keep Raging Rivers from commemorating the July 4^th holiday, and we are excited to once again offer our guests a weekend of fun in the sun and water as we celebrate our anniversary and restart our 19^th season."

Because the river hasn't fully receded from the Great River Road, before heading out, residents are encouraged to visit Raging Rivers' website at www.ragingrivers.com for current information on the changing conditions and best routes to get to the waterpark. Currently, Missouri and Illinois residents can take I-270 to Illinois Route 3 North until they reach Grafton Hills Drive, where Raging Rivers signs will provide easy-to-follow directions to the park. While the drive is somewhat longer than the usual routes, commuters will be able to enjoy scenic views before splashing into fun at Raging Rivers. Other businesses in Grafton are also reopening daily, and area residents are encouraged to visit them while in Grafton.  

Raging Rivers WaterPark is currently open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., until August 11, when the park will resume a 6:00 p.m. closing time. For more information relative to the park's operating hours, water features, specials and more, call Raging Rivers at (618) 786-2345 or log on to http://www.ragingrivers.com/. The WaterPark is located at 100 Palisades Parkway off of the Great River Road in Grafton, Ill, which is only 45 minutes from the Gateway Arch.

Raging Rivers first opened its gates in the summer of 1990 and made its mark as the Greater St. Louis area's original water park. It has since evolved into a 28-acre, multi-million dollar water park that has provided an oasis to millions of visitors of all ages during its 19 years of operation.

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