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Courtesy Splash Canyon
A cartoon map depicting the Splash Canyon water park.
By Conor Shine (contact) 
Friday, Feb. 3, 2012 | 12:06 p.m.
The planned May opening of a water park in the southwest valley has been delayed until spring of 2013.
Developers announced plans for Splash Canyon, a 25-acre complex of pools and slides near the Las Vegas Beltway and Sunset Road, in November and said it would be open for Memorial Day 2012.
But Friday morning, developer SPB Partners released a statement that the park wouldn’t open until spring 2013 to allow time for more amenities to be added to the park, which now is expected to cost $20 million. That figure is up $2 million from original estimates because of added features.
“Lasting quality and an exceptional guest experience for years to come is much more important than going too fast,” managing partner Roger Bulloch said in a statement. “We’re able to do more things to enhance the water park experience than if we rushed this year.”
The delayed opening also will allow the park to open for a full season and avoid a compressed construction schedule.
Previously announced amenities for the park include 20 slides, a wave pool, lazy river, water playground and toddler pool.
In addition to the plethora of thrill options — seven-story speed slides or the head-first mat racer — the park will feature private cabanas, a large picnic area, more than 1,000 lounge chairs and misters for customers.
The project, a spokeswoman with SPB Partners said, is fully funded, including $10 million in equity raised from Las Vegas investors. To date, $2 million has been spent in development costs, fees, permits and manufacturing deposits, developers said. The project is estimated to employ 15 full-time staff and 500 seasonal employees.
Those who already purchased 2012 season passes for Splash Canyon will have the option for a full refund or to roll their pass over to 2013 for half price. Those customers will receive an e-mail with specific instructions for refunds, the statement said.
I hope some of the "amenities" to be added to this park include toilets to bring it up to code. At present, it plans to provide only 71% of the minimum required number of sanitary plumbing facilities under the terms of its variance.
@digger - Have you never been to a waterpark? The toilets are rarely, if ever, occupied or even remotely full. Who needs toilets when you have slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, water playground, and a toddler pool to go in? Less toilets more slides!!!
Water park in the desert in the middle of a drought! Good idea!
Lake mead might be dry by then.
@agent99, exactly!! Ever been to the concert on the beach at Mandalay bay. Everyone in the water drinking beer watching the bands but no one ever has to leave for a pee...
Put that dye in the water that changes color, they'll leave. :)
I don't go to public piss pools; but I hope it brings in sales tax revenue.
Boftx, that dye is a myth.
It would be nice if they posted a map as to where this park is going to be.
I hope they add a Water Coaster, one of the newest and most popular features in most parks. Orlando has at least 5 Major Water Parks, maybe they need to take a Road Trip instead of throwing up second rate park that will be history in a couple of years.
Hopefully the Health Department will insure complete compliance for both sanitation and safety. With the diverse population that lives and visits here, sure hope signs and warnings are in several languages and rules are ENFORCED.
Otherwise, there will be outbreaks of all sorts of exotic illnesses affecting park goers.
Blessings and Peace,
Star
I understand they will not be selling Baby Ruth candy bars at the snack bar....