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Ray's Splash Planet (often referred to as Ray's) is a water park located in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. It is part of aquatics division of the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation department. Ray's Splash Planet is considered one of the largest indoor water parks in both of the Carolinas and is the largest water park in Charlotte, North Carolina, with over 29,000 square feet of space and using over 117,000 gallons of water at 87 degrees. There are multiple attractions including the Blue Comet, a three story figure 8 slide, and other family friendly attractions like the Orbiter, Saturation Station, the Vortex, Meteor Showers, Moon Beach and the Sea of Tranquility. The water park also features a fitness center and gymnasium shared with the Irwin Academic Center. The first floor of the facility includes the pool area, locker rooms, birthday party rooms and concessions stand. The second story includes a fitness center with an aerobic/dance studio. Access to the indoor gymnasium is also located on the second floor. Ray's Splash Planet is located on Sycamore Street near Johnson & Wales University and is just off Interstate 77 in North Carolina in the Third Ward section of Uptown Charlotte. The water park opened on October 15, 2002 with help from Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation's partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Major competitors are Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina, Great Wolf Lodge in Concord, North Carolina and Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe in Greensboro, North Carolina.

History
In 1994 a plan was suggested to turn the Irwin Avenue Elementary School into a new recreation center. Extensive renovation of the gymnasium followed the approval of a 1995 park bond referendum, and the (basketball) gym opened to the public in 1998 as the Irwin Avenue Recreation Center. The referendum also allowed for design for one of the first indoor water parks in the Southeast. Land for the water park was available on the Irwin Elementary campus, adjacent to a natural creek that is park of the Mecklenburg County greenway system and that connects surrounding neighborhoods. The architect firm Clark/Nexsen designed the water park facilities, emphasizing the movement of water and incorporating the nearby natural creek as its design. The $7.5 million project had its groundbreaking in March of 2001. Physically attached to the Irwin Academic Center (previously known as Irwin Avenue Elementary) through the shared space of the gymnasium, Ray's Splash Planet opened on October 15, 2002. Since 2002, Ray's Splash Planet has won numerous awards and accolades for being a feature attraction for local residents from the Charlotte Observer newspaper, Creating Loafing and Charlotte Parent magazines.

Mission
The mission of Ray's Splash Planet falls in line with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation. It is, "To enrich the lives of our citizens through the stewardship of Mecklenburg County's natural resources and the efficient and responsive provision of quality leisure opportunities, experiences, and partnerships."

Vision
The vision for Ray's Splash Planet is in line with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation. It is, "People who recreate in Mecklenburg County will have a system of parks, greenways, and open space located throughout the County that will provide more parkland per capita than the national average, will connect neighborhoods, satisfies public recreation needs, and will protect environmentally sensitive areas."

Lifeguards
The lifeguards at Ray's Splash Planet are highly trained professionals. The guards are licensed and certified in First Aid, CPR and lifeguarding by the American Red Cross, and the guards go through vigorous service training frequently to maintain their skills. The lifeguards are responsible for being test-ready and guests may witness this effective means of training while visiting.