Sign of Summer: The Water Mine Opens Saturday

Lake Fairfax Park’s The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole opens for the season Saturday with some new features as part of it’s recent $5.5 million renovation.

New this year: Private family cabanas and umbrellas that you can reserve in advance. Some of the canopies can accommodate groups of 40-150 people. Rental fees range from $39 for a “funbrella” to $59 for a six-person umbrella to $300 for the 150-person party tent.

Visit The Water Mine’s website to learn more.

The Water Mine, which is run by the Fairfax County Park Authority, completed most of its renovations late last summer. The star attraction is a big, new slide tower with three chutes.

Other improvements include the individual cabanas; improved shaded seating areas in the grass area around the Water Mine; an additional play structure in the spray ground; and space for mobile food vendors.

Old favorites remain. Among them: the Rattlesnake River, a 725-foot lazy river feature, and Tenderfoot Pond, a zero-depth entry water play area for young patrons.

2016 prices:

• $15.95 – Over 48″ tall – weekends and holidays
• $14.85 – Over 48″ tall – Monday through Friday (except holidays)
• $12.25 – Under 48″ tall
• $9 – After 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (except holidays) Not available in August/September
• Free – 2 years old and younger
• Group Rates
• Season Pass

Photo: New slides at The Water Mine