It’s always nice to be able to report on waterpark openings – and in 2016 and 2017, citizens will have the fun of exploring new or remodeled facilities in several U.S. communities. Take a look some of the latest parks making news on the water scene:
Carolina Fun
Carowinds theme park in Charlotte, N.C., embarked upon a $50 million-plus expansion last year, which included transforming its Boomerang Bay waterpark into Carolina Harbor. Due to open in May 2016, the waterpark is being expanded to 25 acres and new features include Surf Club Harbor, a 27,000-square-foot wave pool that mimics the high surf of the Atlantic Ocean; Seaside Splashworks, a multilevel spraypark for kids, with a 423-gallon tipping bucket; Cannonball Drop, a chute with four “intense” 360-degree turns; and many more attractions, according to WSOC-TV 9.
Hollywood Coming to Minnesota
For Minnesota families that can’t afford vacations at major theme parks, there will be another option in 2017 — and it comes with an adjacent waterpark. Though admission won’t be a problem, that doesn’t mean developers are skimping on this project: The estimated cost is $115 million, and it’s expected to create 2,000 jobs in the state, according to the Star Tribune.
It came about when Sony Pictures joined forces with Black Forest, LLC, an Albertville, Minn.-based developer. The result will be the Mall of Entertainment. Set on 18 acres in Albertville, it will include a mini-indoor amusement park with attractions based on Sony characters such as “Men in Black” and the Smurfs. It also will boast an interactive, 50,000-square-foot indoor waterpark and a Marriott Hotel.
Located next to the Albertville Premium Outlets mall, the project is slated to break ground this summer and open at the end of 2017.
Here’s One Typhoon That Texas Welcomes
Typhoon Texas Waterpark is a $45 million project being constructed in the Houston metro area. Slated to open in May 2016, it is located on 25 acres next to the Katy Mills Mall. Once completed, it will sport a 25,000-square-foot wave pool, a 1,345-foot lazy river, multiple water slides, and other rides and attractions.
