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E-mail This StoryAlthough high gas prices have left the pockets of local citizens near empty, it has become a contributing factor to this summer’s success of Rowlett’s Wet Zone Waterpark.
With more families deciding to spend their vacations closer to home, attendance at Wet Zone has increased by 24 percent from last year.
“We have had no rain delays or closures due to weather this season, compared to 49 days last year,” Tony Bates, water park manager said. “Also the economy is helping our business. Families are traveling less and staying closer to home. With gas prices as they are, families are opting to stay closer to home.”
Even with a malfunction in the water park’s chlorination system in June that closed the park for a few hours and sent several to the hospital, and with higher prices than last year, attendance stayed strong.
Park officials this is due in part to an ambitious promotion effort that draws folks from all over the area.
One of the more popular events is the “$8 Flick and Floats.” For $8 per persons, families can hit the water park after 7 p.m. to watch a family-friendly movie from the comfort of their own floatie. The $8 admission also includes dinner - a hot dog, chips and drink.
Tomorrow, the park is hosting “Magic 8 Day.”
“The magic and wizardry that comes with the Magic 8 Ball will be appearing at the Wet Zone,” Bates said. “A magical move, Nanny McPhee, will be shown for the Flick and Float beginning at 8 p.m. No coupons or other discounts apply.”
The new attractions also have added to the draw. Water Wars, a water balloon game for those of all ages to enjoy, has proven to a popular activity.
“Water Wars is a game or competition in which the participants place a balloon in the launcher, pull down on the handle, aim, and fire. You might get sprinkled, sprayed, or saturated, but watch out, retaliation comes quickly,” Bates said.
However, it’s the typical Texas heat wave in the waning days of summer that is beginning to take its toll.
“Attendance has begun to drop in this current heat wave. Our ideal weather day is partly cloudy and 92 degrees; when the temp goes over 100 degrees, attendance begins to drop,” Bates said.
Wet Zone will be open until Aug. 24, and then weekends until Sept 1, with a special doggie swim day on Sept 20.
Admission for Rowlett residents is $7 for children and $8 for adults. Non-residents admission is $9 for children and $10 for adults. For those with a group of 15 people or more, admission is $6 per person.
