Cruise discount teacher

A new way to float - Barracuda boats are now available to cruise the

PEKIN - There are people who enjoy a good canoe ride, and then there are those who prefer paddle boats. But for more adventuresome types, there's a new way to ride on the lagoon in Mineral Springs Park.

According to Dori Walker, director's assistant, the new boats are called barracuda boats, and they're actually "water bikes that are pedal-powered jet skis, and you paddle them like a paddle boat."

The two new barracuda boats, which come from Canada, cost $800 each, the same price Pekin Park District paid for its paddle boats. Walker said the park district purchased two this year as a test run, but if the interest is there, it will buy more in the future. The boats seat two.

"We're always looking for new rides for people. This is something new that we thought people would enjoy," Walker said. "One person paddles and one can ride tandem. There are two molded seats, but one set of paddles in front."

This year the fees for all boats on the lagoon has increased from $1.75 to $2 for a 20-minute ride. There is a family discount on Monday nights that has yet to be determined. Boats are now available daily from 11:30 a.m. to dusk, weather permitting, for 20-minute rides.

"Dan Schultz is our new boat manager. He is a retired Navy career man, after serving 26 years," Walker said. "We also have a new concession manager. Bob Dean is our new concessions manager and he is a retired teacher. They are both very personable with young kids, and we think they're going to be great managers for the park district."

The park district recently tore down the old concession stand in Mineral Springs Park and is in the process of rebuilding the dug-out concession stand on the Lettes field.

The concession stand will have the same assortment of products available.

"Some people probably don't realize that we sell popcorn, hot dogs, barbecue, cheeseburgers, snow cones, cotton candy, hand-dipped ice cream, nachos, french fries and soft drinks," Walker said.

The new concession stand will be open in about two weeks. Food will be sold out of a trailer until then.

The miniature golf course is still operating, but under a new name.

"We have a new name for Putt the Magic Dragon this year. The new name is Magic Dragon, Golf and Games," said manager Dan Englebright.

The new addition to miniature golf prompted the name change.

"We have added an arcade room. We have, new this year, electronic games, including air hockey, pinball, and video games," he said.

There are 20 new electronic arcade games, including the popular "Dance, Dance Revolution."

The arcade room is open the same time as miniature golf, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. All arcade games cost between 25 cents and $1 to play.

"The reason we added the arcade room is to try and get people to stay longer and give them more to do," Englebright said.

DragonLand Waterpark is sure to keep everyone cool this summer, according to Englebright.

Admission is $3.75 for children 4 and older. Children 3 and under are free with a paid adult. Dragonbooks, which is a package of 10 reduced swim passes, are available to residents for $28.25. Family Swim Nights are 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays for those residing in the same household.