POCATELLO — The new water slides at the Ross Park Aquatics Complex will officially open on Friday, July 12.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Friday, the Milder family, who made a monetary donation for the water slides to be built in honor of longtime Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee Chairman Doug Milder, will be in attendance.

Ross Park Aquatic Complex now features two slides — one green and one blue — designed by Splashtacular. Both slides tower approximately 35 feet high and replace the previous slide that was torn down last year after being condemned for safety reasons.

The new green slide is an open-air design with many twists and turns, leading to a runout.

The new blue slide features a closed concept with translucent bands that create flashing light effects as you quickly work to the runout.

These slides are suitable for children and adults alike who are at or over 48 inches tall and under 300 pounds.

“We are so excited to have these slides open for the public to enjoy, especially with plenty of summer weather remaining,” said Parks & Recreation Director Anne Butler. “Our local contractors and city staff have worked hard to make these slides available and I’m so proud of their efforts.”

On Friday, July 12, daily admission tickets will be available for presale starting at 10:30 a.m. The facility will open to the public at noon and the water slides will officially open at 2:30 p.m. following the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

All children under the age of 16 and at least 48 inches tall will be given a raffle ticket with their paid admission for a chance to be the first two children down the slides. The two winners will be drawn at 2:30 p.m. for the honor of riding the blue or green slide for the first time.

To increase your chance to be the first child down the water slide, extra raffle tickets may be purchased from Bright Tomorrows Child Advocacy Center, which will be onsite during the event. A ticket will be $1 and proceeds will go directly to Bright Tomorrows, a community group that provides advocacy services to local children and families. Bright Tomorrows can take cash and Venmo donations.