Cousins Grant Bosworth and Chloe Maner enjoy playing in the water at the new Hartselle Aquatic Center Monday morning. | Clif Knight

The record-breaking hot temperatures of June and early July combined with the amenities of a new mini-water park have kept the cash register ringing loudly at the Hartselle Aquatic Center this summer.

“Everything has exceeded expectations,” said Hartselle Mayor Dwight Tankersley. ”It’s been a very successful season so far, and I’ve heard nothing but positive feedback from the public.”

“We’ve been blessed with perfect weather – hot days and plenty of sunshine,” pointed out Lacey Garnett, aquatic center manager. “Sunday afternoon was the first time we’ve had to shut down early because of stormy weather.”

“Attendance has been very heavy, especially on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays,” she added. “We have 1,700 family members who are using the facilities with their season passes, and we’ve never before issued more that 450 family passes. We also have had parties booked every weekend.”

Garnett said the center is attracting customers with a wide variety of interests.

“The little kids enjoy playing with the spray toys; older kids prefer the diving boards and water slides; and others prefer floating on the Lazy River or lounging in the sun,” she said. “We really do have something for every member of the family.

“I’m glad Hartselle has a facility like this and I’m able to be a part of it,” she added. “It’s 10 times better than it was before.”