SandVenture Aquatic Park will unveil its new waterslide at 11 a.m. Saturday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Following the ceremony, visitors are invited to try out the new slide. The celebration will continue much of the day with a DJ onsite playing everyone’s favorite songs between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The old, blue slide, which was built in the early 1980s, was removed this spring. Construction on the new, yellow slide has been ongoing since March. The new slide is 218 feet long with a tower and a greater slope than the past slide.

This summer, SandVenture also added six new shade structures for those visitors who enjoy the water, but need a break from the sun. The new slide and shade structures are the latest renovations made to the aquatic park. In 2007, SandVenture opened its new support building, which houses a concession stand, family changing rooms, men’s and women’s locker rooms, a picnic area and staff storage and support areas.

SandVenture Aquatic Park is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. until Aug. 17. From Aug. 18 to 24, hours will be noon to 5 p.m. (There will be special hours of operation Aug. 3.)

The park is located at 1101 Adams St. and offers a zero-depth entry, sand-bottom pool, a sand beach, two drops slides and the new waterslide.

More information on SandVenture Aquatic Park, its hours of operation, admission and season pass fees, class offerings, special events and birthday parties is available at www.ci.shakopee.mn.us/aquaticpark.cfm.