Barrhaven will have to be patient in water park wait
Posted Aug 12, 2010
BY STEPH WILLEMS
http://www.emcbarrhaven.ca/20100812/...ater+park+wait
Steph Willems, Nepean
Barrhaven EMC
EMC News - In a cruel twist of fate, Barrhaven residents have last summer's dismal weather to blame for the lack of a nearby water park to help them escape this summer's torrid heat.
The Summer That Wasn't (2009), coupled with the economic meltdown that afflicted North America, put the brakes on ProSlide Technology's proposed Alottawata water park on Moodie Dr. near Bankfield Rd. in Ottawa's south end.
Originally planned to open in 2009, the 100-acre park is now scheduled to open in time for summer 2012. Residents have been eagerly awaiting the opening day, as the location of this park puts it within a short drive from Nepean, Barrhaven and Kanata. Until Alottawata opens, the nearest water park is Calypso in Limoges, 35 minutes southeast of Orléans.
Because of last year's weather and economic environment, ProSlide representatives said they aren't upset that their completion date was pushed back.
"It works out better for us to open in 2012," said Tara Casey, director of marketing at ProSlide.
The company plans to prep the site in the meantime so that the water park exudes a distinctly 'park-like' atmosphere for the families who will visit.
"We're planting over 3,000 trees on the site right now, building the lazy river and other stuff so that we're ready," said Ms. Casey.
The location of the site is something that ProSlide is proud of. President and CEO Rick Hunter looked for the appropriate land to locate the park for years before signing the deal for the 100 acres on Moodie Dr.
"We wanted something central, something close to the city so people don't have to drive too far," said Ms. Casey. "We have an amazing location - it's perfect."
The company plans to start off by developing about 40 acres of the site with their signature rides, and then expand continuously after that. ProSlide owns one other Ottawa-area water park located at Mont-Cascades, but shares its expertise with water parks around the globe, including Six Flags and Disneyland.
The park will feature restaurants and shaded picnic areas so that families can make a day of it, and the company also plans to keep pricing competitive, likely less than other parks.