Pelican Bay Aquatic Center Awarded as Family Favorite in Oklahoma City

Pelican Bay Aquatic Center, a seasonal pool owned by the City of Edmond and managed by Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) has been recognized as a local favorite in Oklahoma City. MetroFamily Magazine recently announced their 2021 Family Favorites, an annual collection of “best of” family-friendly businesses in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. Nominations and votes are submitted by the magazine’s readers and the local public, and winners are announced each year to point local and visiting families to the best businesses and services. This year Pelican Bay Aquatic Center was voted as the ‘Best Place to Swim’ in the Oklahoma City metro.

The nomination comes after the City of Edmond and Pelican Bay reengaged with the SFC, the industry-leading recreation management firm, following the 2020 season. In the off-season, new General Manager, Marina Wells, worked with SFC to organize improvements in operations, strategies, marketing plans, and more. By the beginning of the 2021 season, Pelican Bay was updated and full of new programming, events, and membership benefits. The aquatic center, which finished it’s season after Labor Day with a popular Doggy Paddle Day, has hosted 40,000 visitors this summer season.

Wells expressed her gratitude, “I am extremely humbled and honored to accept these awards on behalf of the entire team at Pelican Bay. It is a privilege to serve as General Manager of this venue and meet guests from all over Edmond and the entire Oklahoma City area. We have all worked hard to ensure our guests receive the best in aquatics and this award shows that it has been recognized by our community. I am truly grateful!”

The venue was also recently announced as one of the Three Best Amusement Parks in Oklahoma City as awarded by experts in the area. Winners face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence.

“We pride ourselves on offering a safe, inclusive water park for all,” says Craig Dishman, Director of City of Edmond Parks and Recreation. “We are thrilled with the performance of our venue this summer with the help of Sports Facilities Companies. These recognitions only reflect the level of quality programming and events the team has provided to our residents. We are proud of what we have achieved together.”

Pelican Bay is located near the heart of Edmond and has been a location for family entertainment since 2002. The waterpark features two 150 ft. water slides, diving boards, a current channel, an aquatic climbing wall and a splash pool as well as a playground, concessions, and bathhouses.

Patrons and members have access to swim lessons, water aerobics, night swims, amongst other engaging programming. In addition, the Aquatic Center is available for birthday parties and large, full-facility rentals. Pelican Bay will reopen next summer, Memorial Day weekend. For more information, visit pelicanbayaquatics.com.