After a dozen years of providing thrill rides, a Nevada waterpark is closing down, leaving several park visitors heartbroken.
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Located near the Las Vegas strip, Cowabunga Bay announced Monday that it was shutting down.
"After 12 unforgettable years of making summer memories together, Cowabunga Bay will not reopen for the 2027 season," the park
said in a Facebook post."This was a difficult decision. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to every guest, team member, and partner who has been part of Cowabunga Bay's story."
"From first trips down the slides to countless summer days spent with family and friends, we're grateful to have been part of so many special memories," the statement added.
Cowabunga Bay opened with 25 attractions, including eight major water slides, three pools and three restaurants.
The massive waterpark spanned 23 acres.
Cade Vereen, the park's vice president of operations, said that the park's closure will allow the more resources to be invested in Cowabunga Canyon, its sister park.
The decision ultimately came down to streamlining our operations," Vereen told Fox 5 Tuesday.
"Moving the operation and focusing at the Canyon location in Summerlin really was kind of the best decision for the park," he added.
Nevada Residents Angered by Park Closing
Several park visitors were unmoved by the statement and still seek answers about the park's closure.
Jim, a frequent visitor who took his grandson to Cowabunga Bay, said the company needs to issue a more detailed explanation.
"What does streamline mean?" he asked the outlet. "Now, I can see if it closed down.You know, for economic reasons. Maybe a water shortage, you know? But whoever owns this needs to put out a statement. What does streamline mean?"
Another guest states that she lost a valued source of entertainment for her kids.
"There's not much for kids to do in this town as it is. To take away this. Just makes it tough for the parents to find things to do with the kids, you know?" the visitor said.
Cowabunga Bay opened in 2014 on Independence Day.
