Wet 'n' Wild water park shapes up for summer crowds

Sunsplash's Waterworld in northwest Phoenix has received a face lift just in time for summer.

The waterpark, near I-17 and Pinnacle Peak Road, will re-open soon as Wet ‘n' Wild and feature nearly three dozen water slides and attractions. In addition, the new theme park is expected to have a restaurant, gift shop and a number of food vendor carts.

"We basically took everything out associated with the old park and put in all new, exciting attractions," said Trevor Wilson, marketing director for Wet ‘n' Wild Phoenix.

Wilson said Village Roadshow, an Australian Entertainment company, bought the park and adjacent land, a total of approximately 35 acres, from Maricopa County after the lease ended with Sunsplash.

The water park has been revamped, and the additional land will be developed over the next year for more attractions. Work crews have been placing the finishing touches on Wet ‘n' Wild, including areas for children and high-speed slides for the "bigger kids and grown-ups."

"I think people will be impressed with what we have to offer and will want to spend their summers here," Wilson said. "This is the perfect opportunity to introduce themselves to something fun and new and waterslides like they've never seen before."

Visitors have a chance to ride Maximum Velocity, a gravity-defying water coaster that blasts riders uphill on jetted water and more

Mitchell Vantrease can be reached at 876-2526 or e-mail mvantrease@yourwestvalley.com.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Wet ‘n' Wild Phoenix.

WHERE: Located in north Phoenix at the Adobe Dam Recreational area on the border of Phoenix and Glendale, just west of Interstate 17 on Pinnacle Peak Road.

WHEN: Open exclusively for season pass holders today from noon to 7 p.m. July 3. Open to guests purchasing single-day tickets starting July 4. Park opens at 10 a.m. and closing times vary. 

PRICES: $34.99, adults; $26.99, children ages 3 to 11; $26.99, seniors ages 60 and over. Early Bird Season Passes are available for $59.99 (plus tax) when purchased before July 12. Afterwards, they'll cost $69.99 per individual.

INFO: Visit www.wetnwildphoenix.com or call 623-201-2000.