(BEN BULMER / iNFOnews.ca)

A popular Vernon waterpark is starting its transformation with a new name.

Formerly known as Atlantis Waterslides, the waterpark, located north of the city along Highway 97, has been renamed Splashdown Vernon, according to its new website.

The attraction was purchased by Cultus Lake Waterpark in 2019, and the owner then said the park would go through some major upgrades.

Cultus Lake Waterpark owner Chris Steunenberg wouldn't give up specific plans for the waterslides but said they would be pumping "millions" into the venture and he had "big plans for the park."

"You're going to see the family attraction side of it enlarged, definitely," Steunenberg said.

The waterslides date back to 1983 and have seen 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.

"The Okanagan is so underserved as far as water parks are concerned, everything has been closing down," Steunenberg said. "We see potential and we'd hate to see it go into housing or an RV park or something... we really want to see that recreational facility preserved."

Steunenberg, who has owned Cultus Lake Waterpark for 25 years, said Atlantis Waterslides would be rebranded and noted the park would receive about $1-million just in capital improvements that park-goers wouldn't even see.

"In its current path the park would have to be closed down because there have not been any capital improvements done, it's just run the way it was built 36 years ago, it needs to be brought up into the very relevant and modern times," he said.

Atlantis Water Slides general manager Mark Nawrot has run the park for the last nine years. Nawrot said the waterslides currently employ 53 staff running from early June to September Labour Day weekend. Nawrot said he couldn't confirm whether his company would still be running the waterpark for the new season.

The waterpark is set to open June 12, according to its website.

- With files from Ben Bulmer

To contact a reporter for this story, email Carli Berry or call 250-864-7494 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. 

News from © iNFOnews, 2020