New owners say upgrades will include "capitalizing on the view."

(BEN BULMER / iNFOnews.ca)

Vernon’s popular waterslides haven’t even opened their doors to the public yet and some day passes have already sold out.

The owner of Splashdown Vernon, formerly Atlantis Waterslides, Chris Steunenberg said he had big plans for the park after purchasing it in 2019.

Steunenberg, who also owns Cultus Lake Waterpark, is excited Vernon’s waterslides is opening July 1, and tickets for certain days have sold out or are close to selling out, he said. As of June 24, July 1 to 3 day passes are already sold out.

“Things are moving in the right direction, we’re hoping for big news July 1 as we go one step further back to normal,” he said.

He recommends customers head online to pre-purchase tickets so they don't risk the chance of not getting in. Walk-ins will be accepted but ticket holders are guaranteed access into the park.

The park will operate at below 50% capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“That`s also why we’re selling out, right? There only is a small number of tickets compared to what everyone is used to, being able to show up and come in,” Steunenberg said.

The property is being upgraded and maintenance improvements are being made throughout the park.

“We’ve got walkways we’re repaving and we’ve got surfaces on the slides we’re improving to make the slide experience better and that’s all going ahead in spite of the concerns we had for the pandemic attendance,” he said.

The food facility has been upgraded, picnic tables now include permanent structures to provide shade, the park's water purification system has been upgraded as well as its esthetics.

The next big endeavour will be to expand the park with new slides and attractions geared to younger families, Steunenberg said.

“We are definitely in for the long haul and we want to invest in the Okanagan with a full-fledged family water park,” he said.

Tickets are now available for purchase on Splashdown's website from July 1 to Sept. 5. A full day pass is $30 while a twilight pass from 3 to 6 p.m. is $20. Children under 36 inches in height are free, according to the website. Social distancing measures will be in place and customers are expected to bring their own masks to the park.

All sales are final, with no refunds or exchanges.

Currently, B.C. COVID-19 restrictions have eased for outdoor events and venues, and further restrictions may be lifted July 1 if the province continues to see low COVID-19 cases and high vaccination rates.

Vernon's waterslides first opened in 1983 and have had several owners over the years, including one that went into receivership.

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