SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — Splash Down water park officially reopened Saturday after many delays and hard work.
The water park on I-90 in Spokane Valley was closed for the last three seasons since it first closed in 2020 due to the pandemic. Since then the new owners were facing multiple challenges to reopen the park including maintenance, paperwork and proper inspection approval.
The park initially announced on Facebook it would be open by June 2023, but due to some delays, they postpone the reopening for Saturday at 11 a.m.
Despite all issues, the park was reopened Saturday after hard work by the owners, and a long wait from the community and a new generation of Splash Down fans that were eager to jump in and enjoy this summer.
"It was a lot of work," said Branson Olson, son of the new water park owner. "Super tall weeds, the landscaping was the biggest thing to fix. Then, of course, the vandalism and cleaning everything up. It was a lot to take on and it's not perfect, but we're trying."
It was only one day in, but several visitors said they were happy with what they have seen.
Matt Curran and his family were the first family to go inside the water park on Saturday. He grew up coming to the park.
"We've been waiting for this day forever," Curran said. "As a kid, I remember coming here and just having so much fun, and I just wanted to share it with my family."
The new generation of Splash Down fans also have good things to say about the park.
"It has strongly impressed my expectations. I didn't expect much," said Max, a Splash Down visitor. "I'm not used to these big waterparks and it's strongly surpassed."
Another Splash Down visitor, Samantha, also said she loved the park.
"I love how it's hot and you get wet and go down the water slides," she said.
Visitors enjoyed the day at the water park and some of them said they are already planning for their next trip down the slides.
People who bought season tickets for this year were refunded and they could also keep their passes for an extra incentive. The park will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Ticket prices to enter the park are $20 for people over 48" and $15 for those under 48". Children 3 years old and under enter free. The park is also offering seasonal passes and family night entrances. Click here to check more information
The water park is located at 11127 E. Mission Ave, in Spokane Valley.
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