Amusement Today, February 2025

Big Surf Water Park in Linn Creek, Missouri, has been sold to Texas-based Wheelhouse Waters. The new company is a division of Wheelhouse Ventures, a private investment firm headquartered in Frisco, Texas, that provides equity capital, strategic advice and management expertise to underperforming, distressed or undercapitalized companies. This is the company’s first venture into the water park arena, although it does have a second project in the works in Phoenix, Arizona.

Wheelstone Waters plans to invest approximately $3 million in the property in the next few months. The park has been rebranded as SuperSplash USA and will increase in size from 13 acres to 20 acres. The expansion will include new attractions and enhanced amenities.

“We’re committed to making SuperSplash USA a world-class destination, offering the best in family entertainment,” said Scott Johnson, CEO of Wheelhouse Waters. “The Lake of the Ozarks deserves a family park that reflects its status as a premier vacation destination, and that’s exactly what we’re building.

“We’d like to give a special thanks to Darin Keim, the leading force behind Big Surf for the past 25 years, for his service in making the park one of the most beautiful and safest in America,” Johnson added.

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Following the success of the first WaveGarden park in Bristol, England, plans are underway for a second in Deal.

Initial local opposition has been dropped, and the Dover District planning committee has given the go-ahead, paving the way for The Seahive resort to proceed. The developers of the project are labeling it as the first surfing wellness resort and have committed to investing £50 million (US$ 61 million). Plans are to include a 15-acre surf lagoon, a 120-room hotel, a gymnasium, a restaurant and a skate park.

Jim Storey, founder and CEO of The Seahive’s founder explained that despite Deal being near the sea, there are very few surfing attractions or opportunities for people to learn how to surf. Those in the area who love to surf, either drive six hours to Cornwall or take a flight to somewhere abroad.

In keeping with the wellness aspect, Storey stated: “My vision has always been far greater than just creating an inland surf lagoon. The Seahive is a purpose-driven, inclusive destination anchored around the power of blue health and its impact on both physical and mental well being.

“Through running surf therapy programs, I don’t just believe or hope that The Seahive can create positive life-changing outcomes for children — and adults — who struggle with anxiety, confidence, social exclusion, depression, bereavement, or even suicidal thoughts, I know it can. It is a critical component of the scheme.”

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Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is making plans to open the fifth iteration of its renowned African-themed resorts in 2026 in the state of Virginia. Construction is already underway for a $900 million project in Spotsylvania County just off Interstate 95 near the Thornburg exit. The company said the resort will be the perfect adventure destination for families in the DC-Maryland-Virginia metro area.

The 175,000-square-foot facility will include the largest indoor water park in Virginia, along with a massive convention center and a 900 family-friendly suites hotel.

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The Meryal Waterpark in Doha, Qatar, has been proclaiming it has the world’s tallest waterslide for quite some time. In December, Guinness World Records made it official. The Rig 1938 tower made two entries into the record books as the world’s tallest water slide tower and the first tower of its kind to have 12 waterslides. The record-breaking complex is an amazing feat of engineering provided by WhiteWater of British Columbia, Canada.

General Manager and Chairman of Qetaifan Projects Company, Sheikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said in a press conference that the tower provides an exceptional experience that enhances Qatar’s position as a world-class global tourist destination.

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The Plopsa Group has decided to halt plans for the Plopsaqua Mechelen aquatic park in Belgium. The park has been in the works since 2017, and despite support from the local community, executives from Plopsa reported that the end process is no longer in sight and the outcome is too uncertain.

A meadow near the planned site in Mechelen has been given the status of nature reserve. While this is good for conservation, it makes obtaining a permit for development more difficult.

Because the permit procedure has been dragging on for seven years, what seemed profitable at that time is no longer feasible.

Original Kalahari Resorts location sets expansion

AT: Jeffrey Seifert

jseifert@amusementtoday.com

WISCONSIN DELLS, Wisc. — In January, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions announced an $85 million expansion of its original location in Wisconsin Dells. Already under construction is a 75,000-square-foot indoor water park expansion. The glass-enclosed addition from OpenAire will feature a retractable roof and house multiple attractions provided by WhiteWater. The new area was designed and engineered by Martin Aquatic with Neuman Pools providing construction.

Two of the three new waterslides will utilize six-person rafts for increased capacity. Wild Wildebeest will be the first installation of WhiteWater’s Covered Boomerango with the bulk of the slide extending outside the building envelope. Green Python will be the first indoor installation of a six-person raft water coaster.

The third slide is a four-lane mat racer slide, but unlike traditional side-by-side racers, the Dells’ version is two Parallel Pursuits which include conjoined sections with low separating walls where guests can see and hear their fellow competitors. The waterslide attractions start from a 70-foot platform that rises above the building’s glass roof in a cupola extension.

Additional attractions include The Grotto adult swim-up bar, Lost Lagoon Spa Pool and a 10,000-square-foot Watering Hole Pool with zero-depth entry and tanning ledges with in-water lounge chairs. The Coral Cove Kiddie Slide Pool will feature seven themed slides entering a shallow pool.

“Kalahari could not be more excited to announce this indoor water park expansion in the Wisconsin Dells, the Waterpark Capital of the World,” said Todd Nelson, CEO, owner, and founder of Kalahari Resorts. “With new slides, pools, a swim-up bar, spas and more, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy!”

The Kalahari resort in Wisconsin Dells opened in May 2000. The property has undergone several expansions and additions and currently has 756 rooms, a 212,000-square-foot convention center, a 100,000-square-foot Tom Foolerys adventure park, a 125,000-square-foot indoor water park, an outdoor water park and a championship golf course.

“My wife and I opened the first Kalahari Resorts in the Dells 24 years ago, and it’s been an incredible journey,” said Nelson. “Kalahari is so much more than a water park — It’s a place where families can come together. After two and a half decades of creating memories here in Wisconsin Dells, we’re excited to expand our offerings and invite even more families to experience the spirit of togetherness.”

In addition to the new water park attractions, guests will enjoy a 40-foot wide big-screen TV display, additional food and beverage options, and enhanced seating and comfort options, including new cabanas and whirlpool cabanas.

The new indoor water park is one of several new amenities and renovations Kalahari has recently added. Other additions included 237 new rooms, a renovated Spa Kalahari, an all-new splash pad and dry playground, an expansive lobby renovation and two additional dining options: Sortino’s Italian Kitchen and Cinco Niños, a modern Mexican restaurant and tequila bar.