FILE PHOTO - Atlantis Waterslides, now called Splashdown Vernon, is seen in this July 31, 2019 file photo.
(BEN BULMER / iNFOnews.ca)
May 05, 2021 - 6:00 AM
The opening of Vernon’s popular waterslide park remains in limbo due to the pandemic and B.C. Public Health restrictions.
Formerly known as Atlantis Waterslides, Cultus Lake Waterpark owner Chris Steunenberg purchased the park in 2019 with big plans for renovations, renaming the it Splashdown Vernon.
Renovations and maintenance work were completed last year, but it’s all up in the air whether they’ll be able to open or not this season with COVID-19 restrictions, he said.
READ MORE: Cultus Lake, Vernon waterslides owner waiting to see if they can open
“We’re all just kind of watching and wondering what can be done,” Steunenberg said. “We’ve just put everything on hold and just waiting to see what’s going to happen with the restrictions.”
He said government pandemic support is focused on year-round businesses and there isn't a lot of help for seasonal operators.
“We’re really just waiting it out… we have to wait and hope vaccinations hit an uptick,” he said.
He hopes to have an update following the May long weekend or into June.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has banned social gatherings until after May long weekend unless it's outdoors in small groups.
READ MORE: New owners have big plans for Vernon's Atlantis Waterslides
“It’s really hard to hit a moving target,” Steunenberg said.
The waterslides date back to 1983 and have had several owners over the years, including one that went into receivership.
The Okanagan did once boast several waterparks, but over time real estate values made housing more profitable than running a waterpark.
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