Splash Canyon Waterpark officials announced the $20 million (15.2 million euros) family waterpark will open spring 2013. Located near I-215 and Sunset Road in southwest Las Vegas, it was expected to open Memorial Day weekend.
Opening Splash Canyon next year was a collective decision by the investor group to ensure a full first-year season for passholders, maintain a standard of quality and add more amenities to the waterpark.
“Lasting quality and an exceptional guest experience for years to come is much more important than going too fast,” said Roger Bulloch, managing partner of SPB Partners, the developer of Splash Canyon. Bulloch and several long-time Las Vegas investors have committed more than $10 million of equity to the project and have already spent more than $2 million in project development costs, fees, permits and manufacturing deposits.
“The community’s response to Splash Canyon Waterpark has been tremendous since we announced in November, and nobody wanted to see it open in May more than our own families,” Bulloch said. “Moving our opening date to next year wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the right long-term one. By opening in spring 2013, we’re able to do more things to enhance the waterpark experience than if we rushed this year. Now we can more fully engage the community and develop guest experience ideas, partnerships and sponsorships that fit our core values. We’ll also eliminate a compressed construction schedule and, most importantly, provide a complete season.”
The total development cost of the entire site, including infrastructure and parking, will exceed $30 million (22.8 million euros), with $20 million for Splash Canyon alone. Waterpark staff will continue to actively promote partnerships, sponsorships, group events and season pass sales. “We look forward to engaging with everyone so they can call Splash Canyon their own,” said Steve Mayer, general manager of Splash Canyon and vice president of Harvest Family Entertainment, which has developed and operated more waterparks than any other group in the country.
Splash Canyon is offering those who purchased 2012 Splash Canyon Season Passes a full refund or a conversion to a 2013 season pass. “We really want to reward loyalty with loyalty,” added Mayer. “When you look at the value of two Buddy Passes and the half price cost of a season pass, those early adopters will basically get a season of fun for free.”
Splash Canyon Waterpark will cover 25 acres in its initial phase at the easily accessible 7055 S. Fort Apache Road site. It was born of a public/private partnership and desire to create a place for family fun.
“A lot of time, talent, capital and resources have been assembled to make this happen. I am confident the rest of the pieces will continue to come together so when it opens, Splash Canyon Waterpark will be a great new addition for families and a great source for youth employment, particularly for our teenagers,” said Clark County Commissioner Susan Brager, whose district covers the site.
In searching for a location, SPB Partners signed a long-term lease agreement with The Howard Hughes Corporation, which will develop an adjacent community park and eventually a future aquatics center as part of the site’s overall master plan.
“There is considerable pent-up demand for a family-oriented water-themed amenity in Southern Nevada,” said Kevin Orrock, president – Summerlin / The Howard Hughes Corporation. “We are excited about the waterpark in Summerlin that will serve both residents of our community and the entire valley. We appreciate the challenges in developing a first-rate public amenity and applaud the developer’s decision to be thoughtful about the development process. Ultimately, it’s about ensuring residents have the best possible experience.”
Mayer said, “Having developed more than 20 waterparks, we know there is much to do with infrastructure, planning and promotion of Splash Canyon. Our team is eager to continue moving forward and getting involved with the community in preparation of opening Splash Canyon next spring. ”
When it opens in 2013, Splash Canyon will have 20 waterslides, a 17,000-square-foot wavepool, a 1,000-foot-long lazy river, mega water play structure, toddler pool, group picnic area, private cabanas, food outlets and many other amenities. For information, visit www.splashlv.com
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