Rhodes hails Fourth with a splash

Hundreds of Rhodes Ranch residents gathered outdoors July 4 at the Fun Zone, a multi-pool water park on the grounds of the Rhodes Ranch Recreation Center.

The tropical-themed celebration took place from 4 to 8 p.m. According to Virginia Kaplan, Rhodes Ranch Recreation Center program director, 847 people attended.

A steel-drum trio played tropical-flavored music, with hand-drumming and electric guitar riffs that had attendees dancing throughout the evening festivities. A concert featuring vocalist Teddy Davis Jr., formerly of the Del Vikings, rounded out the musical entertainment.

Stilt walkers entertained all ages. Non-alcoholic margaritas refreshed hundreds. Other activities included a hula skirt contest and a limbo contest.

For a fee, residents dined on a meal catered by the Red Apple Grill. Kaplan said the menu included grilled chicken, barbecued pork ribs, corn on the cob, grilled pineapple, macaroni and cheese, spicy and mild sausage sandwiches with chips, and cookies and cupcakes for dessert.

"The whole event was a great family and community day," Kaplan said. "It was a huge success. People loved the entertainment and music, and the hula and limbo contests were extremely well-attended. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves."

Many residents splashed in the 13,000-square-foot lagoon pool and others watched from poolside under the shade of four covered cabanas, patio umbrellas and palm trees.

Residents desiring a quieter, less crowded atmosphere swam laps in or lounged beside the 25-meter lap pool, where a lifeguard ensured resident safety.

The 10,000-square-foot Fun Zone Water Park features three speed slides and five kid water slides, rope bridges, a rope-climbing area, multiple squirt-gun positions and a 1,000-gallon bucket that fills and tips over every half-hour. The multileveled water feature provided an adventuresome aquatic experience for children under the supervision of eight lifeguards.

Exterior features of the Fun Zone also include two spas with room for up to eight people as well as one with room for up to 12 people. Residents who prefer outdoor sports can play basketball on one of two courts or tennis on one of four courts.

A children's play area offers a variety of activity structures.

Rhodes Ranch is Rhodes Homes signature development, a 1,350-acre master-planned community.

For more information, call 740-4111 or visit RhodesHomes.com