A new water park in Hialeah was closed this week due to what the city says is a pending health department permit.
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Bucky Dent Water Park had just reopened on July 31 after a seven-year closure.
Swimsuits and floats in hand, families showed up to the water park along West 60th Street and 22nd Court hoping to hop in the pool.
But on Wednesday, a pink notice from the Florida Department of Health greeted visitors at the door.
The notice reads: “This pool is NOT in compliance with Florida Statue 514 and Florida Administrative Code 64E-9 and may endanger the health, safety or welfare of persons using this facility.” Underneath the main message, a box for “operation without a valid permit” is checked.
“I didn’t know anything. I just got here and it says it’s closed,” said Yusleidis Calvo, who came to the water park with her six-year-old daughter.
On Tuesday, an 80-year-old guest suffered a medical emergency at the pool, according to the city. Mayor Bryan Calvo commended the swift action of lifeguards, and the facility was closed temporarily “out of an abundance of caution” as officials reviewed their safety and security standards.
Kevin Palmer, a local teacher and U.S. Army veteran, is the one who pulled the elderly man from the bottom of the pool.
“I was already in the water, I went down there, shoulder tap, no response, shake, no response,” Palmer said. “That’s when I said he’s gotta get out of here.”
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On Thursday, the city issued a statement saying the current closure and the medical emergency were not related. It reads:
“Tuesday’s incident involving an 80-year-old park guest was a medical emergency completely unrelated to park operations or conditions. Thanks to the swift and professional actions of our well-trained lifeguards, the person’s life was saved before first responders arrived. The city conducted rigorous inspection of the pools prior to opening and all required city permits were issued. Due to an oversight in filling out a form, the health department permit is still pending approval. We are moving swiftly to reopen the pool once it is issued. We apologize to our residents as we know everyone was very excited to enjoy the brand new pool after the seven year wait.”
“I think before opening a place like this, you have to take care of the documents and safety for all the people,” said Calvo.
“Disappointed that they opened the pool without permits,” said Yara Dominguez, who came to the water park with her two children.
Most parents say they’ll return if they feel it is safe.
“I’ve gone to that pool since I was a kid, so I would like to take my daughter there too. Only once everything is in order,” Palmer said.
As for the man who was rescued, the city says he is in good health and being cared for at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach.
The city said it hopes to reopen the pools as soon as the permit is issued by the state.
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