LIMA, OH — On August 15, 2025, local leaders, community partners, and members of the press gathered for an exclusive preview of Lima’s highly anticipated Community Aquatic Park. Held just weeks before the public grand opening scheduled for August 30, the event marked a milestone years in the making. Guests toured the state-of-the-art facility — equipped to support competitive swimming, fitness programs, and everyday family fun — setting the tone for what promises to be a year-round cornerstone of Lima’s revitalized recreational infrastructure.
Speakers included Mayor Sharetta Smith, Former Superintendent Jill Ackerman, and other community visionaries whose collaboration helped realize this ambitious project. Built debt-free through a combination of city, school, and state investments — along with private contributions — the $11.6 million project stands as a testament to Lima’s enduring spirit of unity and progress.
Attendees didn’t just hear speeches; they walked through the facility’s main indoor pool — an eight-lane, competition-ready space complete with classroom areas, spectator seating, and a retractable roof designed to seamlessly open into the adjacent outdoor zones. Outside, families can look forward to splash zones, a waterslide tower, and shaded leisure areas designed to bring them together, day and night.
Local media and national outlets, including Fox News, were on the scene, capturing both the excitement and the significance of the moment. Lima residents and officials are hopeful the park will attract families from across Allen County and beyond — shining a light on Lima’s commitment to accessible recreation, public health, and community pride.
Ackerman said: “One word sums this up: opportunity. It’s opportunity for our students, for our families, and for our entire community to grow together. For our students, this means safety — a chance to learn how to swim, to overcome fear, and to carry that confidence through school. We see opportunity for fitness, opportunity in athletics — a chance for kids to move, grow, and thrive. I’m just speechless. This is the final product, and it’s absolutely amazing. You can know what you want in your mind, but it’s the engineers and the city who make it real — and they did.”
While the event was formal — with suited business leaders and state officials seated in rows of white chairs — the energy was celebratory.
🎥 LimaVoices.com captured exclusive video highlights from the ceremony, including Former Superintendent Ackerman’s full speech and a segment of Mayor Smith’s address.
A Vision Realized
The waterpark, funded through a mix of city allocations and community partnerships, includes a beach and deck area, waterslide, wet/dry classroom with a party room, and a small lobby concession stand. Construction reportedly began in early 2024 and wrapped up in time for its public debut this summer.
City officials hope the park will become a destination not only for Lima residents, but for families across Allen County and beyond — a testament to Lima’s continuing investment in community health and inclusive recreation.
City officials hope the park will become a destination not just for Lima residents, but for families across Allen County and beyond — a signal of the city’s continued commitment to growth, recreation, and community well-being.
More Coverage to Come
Stay tuned. LimaVoices.com will continue covering local development stories that matter — from new businesses to infrastructure wins to the voices behind them.
Were you at the event? Have thoughts on the waterpark? Send us your reactions or photos at contact@limavoices.com.