Ray's Splash Planet is a joint venture between the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools built on the campus of Irwin Academic Center. This unique partnership allows the students at Irwin Academic Center access to the splash park and other amenities during the school day for specific programs while Park and Recreation utilizes the school's gymnasium in the evening and on the weekends.
Download our aquatics brochure that details our prices, memberships and hours.
Ray's Splash Planet opened it's doors on October 15, 2002 and has been a destination for area residents ever since. It's been voted "Best place to Get Wet 2003" (Charlotte Observer), "Best Recreation Facility" 2003 & 2004 (Creative Loafing), "Best Place to Have a Birthday Party 2005" (Charlotte City Magazine), "Best Place to Swim 2008" (Charlotte Parent Magazine), and "Best Pool/Spray Park 2009" (Charlotte Parent Magazine). Ray's Splash Planet offers year 'round fun for the entire family.
Ray's Splash Planet is unlike anything in the Carolinas. The facility includes a one-of-a-kind water park with fun-filled features. The Planet is home to a fitness center with aerobic & dance room, cardiovascular theater, free weights and resistance equipment. Ray's Splash Planet also contains party rooms available for reservations, a new playground, and other recreation-based features. Ray's Splash Planet offers yearly and monthly memberships as well as single-visit entry fees. Discounts are available for non-profit groups, schools and seniors.
The overall architectural design of the facility is striking. From the outset, planners and architects wanted to incorporate a natural flow of water into the building design. In addition to a natural creek running through the outside foyer, the structure itself has dramatic water-like design elements that convey movement.
The structure is well-suited for the indoor waterpark and fitness center. The project architects for the complex are the local firm, Clark Nexsen Architecture and Engineering.
Please visit us and download the Park and Recreation Get Going Guide!
Hours of Operation
(Ray's Splash Planet is open all year round!)
| Fitness Center Hours |
| Monday-Friday |
7 a.m. - 8 p.m. |
| Saturday |
9 a.m. - 7 p.m. |
| Sunday |
1 p.m. - 7 p.m. |
Pool/Splash Park Hours |
| Monday |
10 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. |
| Tuesday |
12 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.* |
| Wednesday |
12 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.* |
| Thursday |
12 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.* |
| Friday |
10 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. |
| Saturday |
9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. |
| Sunday |
1 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. |
| Holiday Hours |
| New Years Eve |
Regular Hours |
| New Years Day |
Closed |
| Martin Luther King Day |
Holiday Hours** |
| Good Friday |
Holiday Hours** |
| Easter |
Closed |
| Memorial Day |
Holiday Hours** |
| July 4th |
Holiday Hours** |
| Labor Day |
Holiday Hours** |
| Thanksgiving Day |
Closed |
| Day After Thanksgiving |
Closed |
| Christmas Eve |
Closed |
| Christmas Day |
Closed |
*(Opens at 10am on CMS No School days.)
**(Holiday Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.)