Does Palm Springs have a water park?

Wet'n'Wild Palm Springs is a defunct water park located in Palm Springs, California. The park operated under Cedar Fair's ownership as Knott's Soak City until 2013 when CNL Lifestyle Properties acquired it. The park plans to reopen in 2022 after a complete renovation of the property.[3]

History[edit]

Wet'n'Wild Palm Springs officially opened as Oasis Water Park by Waterpark Associates in 1986.[4] By 2001, Oasis Water Park spanned 16 acres (6.5 ha) of a 21-acre (8.5 ha) property, featured 20 attractions and had a seasonal attendance of 200,000 people.[5] In May 2001, Cedar Fair entered into an agreement to acquire the park.[6] The deal was finalised one month later for $9.1 million.[5] The park was immediately branded Knott's Oasis Water Park, with additional advertising driving revenues for the remainder of the year. At the conclusion of the 2001 season Cedar Fair reported the park was down 13% at the time of acquisition, however, this was turned around to a 13% increase by the end of the season under the park's new owners.[7]

In the 2001-2002 winter off-season, Cedar Fair invested $2 million into refurbishing and rebranding the park into a Knott's Soak City park, joining other locations in Chula Vista and Buena Park. The refurbishment included the park's gas chlorine sanitation system being replaced by a liquid chlorine equivalent, as well as the repainting and renaming of all slides to match the other Soak City parks. A Rain Fortress aqua play area by WhiteWater West was also added to the park, which reopened in March 2002.[4] The renovation of the park saw increases in attendance and revenue of "about 40%" in the 2002 season.[8]

On August 14, 2013, Cedar Fair announced it had sold its Palm Springs Soak City to CNL Lifestyle Properties. The park was allowed to operate under the Soak City name for the until the conclusion of the 2013 season.[9] In November 2013, CNL Lifestyle Properties completed their acquisition of the ownership and operational rights of Wet'n'Wild Hawaii and Wet'n'Wild Phoenix. As part of the transaction with Australian firm, Village Roadshow Theme Parks, CNL also acquired rights to the Wet'n'Wild brand in the United States.[10][11][12] In December 2013, CNL announced the Palm Springs water park would operate as Wet'n'Wild Palm Springs from the 2014 season.[2]

The opening scenes of the 1987 film "North Shore" were filmed at the Oasis Water Park wave tank. In the film, the wave tank location where the surf contest takes place was actually depicted as Arizona. Actor Matt Adler portrays Arizona surfer Rick Kane who wins the state surfing competition and uses his contest winnings to travel to Hawaii's North Shore. The film also starred Nia Peeples, John Philbin, Gerry Lopez, and Gregory Harrison - though none of these actors appear in any of the film's opening sequences.

In June 2019, shortly before demolition commenced[13] at Wet'n'Wild Palm Springs, professional skateboarders including Lizzie Armanto, Omar Hassan, Riley Hawk, Tony Hawk, Aaron Homoki, Kevin Kowalski, Torey Pudwill and Daewon Song spent a week filming in the closed park to create a nine-minute viral video for Thrasher Magazine entitled "High 'N' Dry".[14][15]

In June 2020, YouTuber Casey Neistat uploaded a YouTube video where he surfed on the wave simulator at the park after being invited, presumably by the owners of the waterpark. [16]

Greater Palm Springs is the perfect playground for golfers, tennis players, polo enthusiasts and sunbathers. However, playgrounds are meant for kids too, and the oasis has some attractions that will keep your offspring pleading to return.

From thrilling water rides to wildlife exploration and Wild West shows, Greater Palm Springs abounds with attractions that rival the ones found at major amusement parks. The best part is that you’re allowed to unleash your inner child and have a blast along with your pals (ahem … kids). Here are our top five picks:

1. Take The Plunge at HyTides
Does Palm Springs have a water park?

Waterslide fun starts here at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells with the newly opened water park. Choose from two dueling 30 ft waterslides, nine heated or chilled pools and a 450-foot-long lazy river. Plus, an adult-only pool for those wanting to find some R&R poolside. Whether it's a family trip or an adults-only vacation, the lavish resort offers accommodations and amenities for adults, children and pets! Check-in and chill out at this splash paradise. 

2. Get Splashing

Surrounded by a 425-foot lazy river and featuring two 100-foot waterslides, the Splashtopia on-site water park at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa equals water fun for the entire family. New additions to the popular two-acre attraction include a cliff-side Jacuzzi, sandy beach and unique water-play zones with fountains and sprinklers for the kids. You don't even have to leave the fun behind to get a bite to eat. Splash Grill is only a few steps away with delicious burgers and cool, tropical drinks. Only registered guests thrill to Splashtopia. 

3. Go on a Safari

For an Indiana Jones-style experience, a safari tour at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens is the best way to explore the flora and fauna of the deserts of the world with wild animals “greeting” you at every turn. Zebras, jaguars, cheetahs and mountain lions are just a few of the animals one can spot in the African and North American zones. Along the way, there are stops by the train model displays as well as at the interactive Discovery Center, featuring animal presentations and educational shows. For those who want get really up close and personal with the zoo’s wildlife, daily giraffe feedings are available.

4. Visit the Old West

Does Palm Springs have a water park?

Built in 1946 as a Western movie and television set, Yucca Valley’s Pioneertown still keeps the spirit of the Old West alive. Mane Street, a picturesque strip lined by a popular saloon with top entertainment, bank, bathhouse, livery stables and a six-lane bowling alley, is the perfect place to play cowboys and watch the Mane Street Stampede Wild West Show on Saturdays. A reenactment of a gunfight, the humorous show features actors as outlaws, sheriffs and saloon girls. Yippee! 

5. Pirate Fun

There aren’t any pirate rides at Palm Springs’ Fisherman’s Market & Grill, but this eatery’s ambiance is enough to transport guests right away to the set of Pirates of the Caribbean. The unassuming façade leads into a surprising, hidden world: a courtyard decorated with nautical props extends into a small, wharf-like village dotted with huge barrels and round tables. This is where a family can sit and enjoy a live band or sports on the huge TV screens while savoring scrumptious Baja fish tacos and fish and chips, among other delicacies. And keep an eye out for Jack Sparrow — you never know when he might show up. 

What happened to the water park in Palm Springs?

Wet'n'Wild Palm Springs is a defunct water park located in Palm Springs, California. The park operated under Cedar Fair's ownership as Knott's Soak City until 2013 when CNL Lifestyle Properties acquired it. The park plans to reopen in 2022 after a complete renovation of the property.

What is the name of the water park in Palm Springs?

Knott's Soak City Water Park Palm Springs.

When did Soak City Palm Springs Close?

Palm Springs The park was allowed to operate under the Soak City name for the until the end of the 2013 season.

Is Palm Springs Surf Club Open?

Palm Springs Surf Club Construction is ongoing, the city planning department said, with testing of the pool and equipment set to begin later this year. Planning Director Chris Hadwin said the city isn't aware of a target opening date but “understands it will be operational in 2023.”