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OTTUMWA,IOWA -- Ottumwans will soon be putting up their coats and gloves for t-shirts and bathing suits.

Many will be heading to the Beach Ottumwa and will notice a big difference. Crews have been making renovations at the water park. They've taken out the old children's play area and will replace it with one 25% bigger. It will also have more state of the art equipment.

Right now the focus is on redoing the concrete and plumbing. But that's not all. Crews are also installing the supports and footings for the new slide. It's expected to be up and ready by May 10.

Parks and Recreation Director Gene Rathje says it'll be a summer to remember.

"There's a lot of people excited about it. The Beach was built in 1992 and this is the first renovation. A lot of our loyal customers are excited that we're going to have some new features."

He says more plans are in the works.

"After these are installed we intend on adding some new features on a regular basis. It's just a matter of getting the money lined up so we can pay for it."

The total cost is $420,000. Day passes are still $5, but season passes will increase from $65 to $75 starting May 1.