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DRAPER -- Cooling off and having fun is always something people enjoy in the summer, but this year some are going to enjoy it in a whole new way thanks to a new water park in Draper.
Officially called a water play-type structure, Cowabunga Bay will keep kids cool this summer. "We've got nine different slides here. This purple one is called ‘Mondo,' which means awesome wave," said owner Shane Huish.
Huish is going after the 1960s California surfer feel. He says a water play structure is different from a water park. It's much smaller and all combined into one structure, instead of spread out over several acres.
"We're taking all the elements of a water park, and we're kind of stacking it on top of each other," Huish explained.
And boy, what a stacking job they've done. There are about 15 different levels and more than 300 interactive-type things to do while waiting in line, like squirt guns and a tipping cone.
Then, there's the splash bucket, which every five minutes will fill up and dump some 2,000 gallons of water on people below. Huish says that, too, is the world's biggest.
Draper City says they're just happy to have something like this nearby. "The residents have asked that we give them opportunities in Draper that's close by, that they don't have to spend a lot of time traveling and money in gas," said assistant city manager David Dobbins.
Huish admits opening at a time when economy is down can be a little nerve-wracking, but he also feels families are always looking for fun things to do. "With our pricing structure, I think we really priced it where a family can come here and have a good time at a price they can afford," he said.
Tickets for adults will run about $15; children at about $10. Cowabunga Bay should be open early this summer, and they're also hiring. The park is at 12047 S. Factory Outlet Dr. in Draper, just north of the 12300 exit.
E-mail: acabrero@ksl.com
