Customers of Water Vision Pool & Spas dubbed the enormous melt-water puddle in front of the store “Lake High Street,” so owner Don McKenzie decided it needed some accessories while his service manager resolved to canoe in it.
McKenzie’s customers joked that the lake could not have formed in a better spot — all the pool accessories and cleaning equipment were right there.
Staff set out some rubber duckies that could enjoy the water. A pool vacuum and cleaning scoop, some chairs, a few plastic geese, and a sign advising No Swimming after Dark completed the scene.
Service manager John Hepting took things further when he launched his canoe in the pond. The water was deep enough in the middle to allow him to float freely, and he enjoyed a few moments of relaxing paddling.
Another staff member said that the day on March 16 the water had been even higher, covering the bottom step of the store’s front entrance at 432 High Street West. Part of the general amusement came from customers having to use a different entrance this week.
Passing cars beeped and waved at Hepting as he paddled down the street.
A passing city work truck, probably on the way to help deal with flooding elsewhere, slowed to honk.
“That’s awesome,” the worker called out.
