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Coordinates: 41°20′54″N 81°22′09″W / 41.34839°N 81.36919°W / 41.34839; -81.36919
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The entire park is for sale now.
 
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{{short description|Former water park in Ohio}}
{{See also|Geauga Lake}}
{{Infobox Water park
{{Infobox water park
| name = Wildwater Kingdom
| name = Wildwater Kingdom
| image = [[File:Wildwater Kingdom logo.svg|250px|Logo]]
| logo = Wildwater Kingdom logo.svg
| caption =
| caption =
| resort =
| resort =
Line 10: Line 10:
| coordinates = {{coord|41.34839|-81.36919|display=title,inline|type:landmark_region:US-OH|}}
| coordinates = {{coord|41.34839|-81.36919|display=title,inline|type:landmark_region:US-OH|}}
| theme =
| theme =
| homepage = {{URL| http://www.wildwaterfun.com/}}
| homepage = {{URL|https://web.archive.org/web/20160906123323/https://www.wildwaterfun.com/|https://www.wildwaterfun.com/ (archived)}}
| owner = [[Cedar Fair Entertainment Company]]
| owner = [[Cedar Fair]]
| general_manager = Bill Spehn
| general_manager = Bill Spehn
| operator =
| operator =
| opening_date = June 17, 2005
| opening_date = {{Start date and age|2005|06|17|mf=y}}
| closing_date = September 5, 2016
| closing_date = {{End date and age|2016|09|05|mf=y}}
| previous_names =Geauga Lake's Wildwater Kingdom (2008–2011)
| previous_names = Geauga Lake's Wildwater Kingdom (2008–2011)
| season = May–September
| season = May–September
| visitors =
| visitors =
| area =
| area =
| pools = 3
| pools = 3
| slides = 15
| slides = 15
| children_areas = 2
| children_areas = 2
| slogan = "Let the good times flow"
| slogan = "Let the good times flow"
| footnotes =
| status = Defunct
}}
}}


'''Wildwater Kingdom''' was a {{convert|17|acre|adj=on}} [[water park]] located in [[Aurora, Ohio|Aurora]] and [[Bainbridge Township, Geauga County, Ohio|Bainbridge Township]], [[Ohio]], United States, near [[Cleveland]]. It was owned by [[Cedar Fair]] and was the only stand-alone outdoor water park owned by the company outside [[California]]. The park opened in 2005 as part of the larger [[Geauga Lake|Geauga Lake and Wildwater Kingdom]]. The site was previously the location of [[SeaWorld Ohio]] from 1970 to 2000 and was later the marine life section of the larger [[Geauga Lake#2000–2004: Six Flags era|Six Flags Worlds of Adventure]] from 2001 to 2003. It was purchased by Cedar Fair in 2004 and converted to a water park for the 2005 season.
'''Wildwater Kingdom''' was a [[water park]] located in [[Aurora, Ohio|Aurora]] and [[Bainbridge Township, Geauga County, Ohio|Bainbridge Township]], [[Ohio]], United States. Owned by [[Cedar Fair]], the park opened in 2005 as part of the larger [[Geauga Lake|Geauga Lake and Wildwater Kingdom]] resort. The site was previously the location of [[SeaWorld Ohio]] (1970–2000) and later served as the marine life section of the larger [[Geauga Lake#2000–2004: Six Flags era|Six Flags Worlds of Adventure]] (2001–2003). Worlds of Adventure was purchased by Cedar Fair in 2004 and the marine life area was converted into a water park for the 2005 season.


Cedar Fair closed the Geauga Lake amusement park following the 2007 season but kept the water park open. It was first known as '''Geauga Lake's Wildwater Kingdom''', and the name was later shortened to Wildwater Kingdom. Its normal operating season extended from late May to [[Labor Day]] each year. The park featured 15 [[water slide]]s including Thunder Falls, which opened as the tallest water slide complex in Ohio.<ref name="4th of July activities" /> On August 19, 2016, Cedar Fair released a statement announcing the permanent closure of Wildwater Kingdom. Its final day of operation was September 5, 2016.<ref name="Closure">{{cite web|url=https://newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2016/08/cedar-fair-pulls-plug-on-ohios.html|title=Cedar Fair Pulls the Plug on Ohio's Wildwater Kingdom|date=20 August 2016 |publisher=NewsPlusNotes}}</ref>
On September 21, 2007 Cedar Fair announced that Geauga Lake would close and the property would operate solely as a water park beginning with the 2008 season, known as '''Geauga Lake's Wildwater Kingdom''' until 2011.
Wildwater Kingdom's normal operating season ran from the end of May to [[Labor Day]]. From the end of June through mid-August, the park was open an extra hour because of the summer heat. From mid-August through Labor Day, the park was open only on weekends.<ref name="Operated calendar">{{cite web|title=2013 Operating Calendar|url=http://www.wildwaterfun.com/hours-directions/wildwater-kingdom|publisher=Wildwater Kingdom|accessdate=November 16, 2012}}</ref> The park featured 15 [[water slide]]s, including Thunder Falls (the tallest water-slide complex in Ohio).<ref name="4th of July activities" />


==History==
==History==

===Background===
===Background===
Wildwater Kingdom operates on the former site of [[SeaWorld Ohio]].<ref name=Announcement>{{cite web|last=Gieszl|first=Eric|title=Geauga Lake 2005 Expansion Includes New Water Park|url=http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/2004/stories/20041111_01.shtml|publisher=Ultimate Roller Coaster|accessdate=November 16, 2012|date=November 11, 2004}}</ref><ref name="Newspaper announcement">{{cite news|title=Geauga Lake plans a new water park|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PmxPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wwQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6062,1632041&dq=geauga+lake+wildwater+kingdom&hl=en|accessdate=November 16, 2004|newspaper=[[Toledo Blade]]|date=November 24, 2004}}</ref> In January 2001 [[SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment]] sold the SeaWorld park to [[Six Flags]], who combined the former SeaWorld site with [[Geauga Lake|Six Flags Ohio]] to form a {{convert|750|acre|ha|adj=on}} [[amusement park|amusement]], [[marine mammal park|marine]] and water park called Six Flags Worlds of Adventure.<ref name="Six Flags creates mega park">{{cite news|title=Six Flags and SeaWorld merge to former megapark|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=g0ZIAAAAIBAJ&sjid=zYEMAAAAIBAJ&pg=1607,563544&dq=six+flags+worlds+of+adventure&hl=en|accessdate=November 15, 2012|newspaper=[[The Vindicator]]|date=February 2, 2001}}</ref><ref name="URC Six Flags creates mega park">{{cite web|title=Six Flags creates new mega park in Ohio|url=http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/2001/stories/020101_02.shtml|publisher=Ultimate Roller Coaster|accessdate=November 15, 2012|date=February 1, 2001}}</ref> In March 2004, Six Flags announced that it had sold Six Flags Worlds of Adventure to [[Cedar Fair Entertainment Company]].<ref name="SF sells WoA">{{cite web|title=Six Flags agrees to sell Ohio park for $145M|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/stories/2004/03/08/daily24.html?jst=b_ln_hl|publisher=[[Pittsburgh Business Times]]|accessdate=November 26, 2012|date=March 10, 2004}}</ref>
Wildwater Kingdom was located on the former site of [[SeaWorld Ohio]].<ref name=Announcement>{{cite web|last=Gieszl|first=Eric|title=Geauga Lake 2005 Expansion Includes New Water Park|url=http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/2004/stories/20041111_01.shtml|publisher=Ultimate Roller Coaster|access-date=November 16, 2012|date=November 11, 2004}}</ref><ref name="Newspaper announcement">{{cite news|title=Geauga Lake plans a new water park|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PmxPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wwQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6062,1632041&dq=geauga+lake+wildwater+kingdom&hl=en|access-date=November 16, 2004|newspaper=[[Toledo Blade]]|date=November 24, 2004}}</ref> In January 2001, [[SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment]] sold SeaWorld Ohio to [[Six Flags]], who combined the site with [[Geauga Lake|Six Flags Ohio]] to form Six Flags Worlds of Adventure.<ref name="Six Flags creates mega park">{{cite news|title=Six Flags and SeaWorld merge to former megapark|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=g0ZIAAAAIBAJ&sjid=zYEMAAAAIBAJ&pg=1607,563544&dq=six+flags+worlds+of+adventure&hl=en|access-date=November 15, 2012|newspaper=[[The Vindicator]]|date=February 2, 2001}}</ref><ref name="URC Six Flags creates mega park">{{cite web|title=Six Flags creates new mega park in Ohio|url=http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/2001/stories/020101_02.shtml|publisher=Ultimate Roller Coaster|access-date=November 15, 2012|date=February 1, 2001}}</ref> Six Flags sold Worlds of Adventure to [[Cedar Fair]] in 2004,<ref name="SF sells WoA">{{cite web|title=Six Flags agrees to sell Ohio park for $145M|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/stories/2004/03/08/daily24.html?jst=b_ln_hl|publisher=[[Pittsburgh Business Times]]|access-date=November 26, 2012|date=March 10, 2004}}</ref> resulting in the removal of all [[Looney Tunes]] and [[DC Comics]] branding from the park and the Geauga Lake name being reinstituted.


===Wildwater Kingdom===
===Wildwater Kingdom===
[[File:Wildwater Kingdom slides from across the lake.jpg|thumb|right|175px|Thunder Falls, viewed from across the lake|alt=Multicolored water slide in wooded setting]]
[[File:Wildwater Kingdom slides from across the lake.jpg|thumb|right|175px|Thunder Falls, viewed from across the lake|alt=Multicolored water slide in wooded setting]]
The former SeaWorld site began to be demolished in late 2004, when Geauga Lake started construction on a new water park.<ref name=Announcement /> On November 11, 2004 Geauga Lake announced Wildwater Kingdom, a new water park scheduled to open in 2005. It would be constructed in two phases, with the first phase costing $16&nbsp;million and the second phase $8&nbsp;million.<ref name=Announcement /> The first phase consisted of a [[ProSlide Tornado]], an activity pool, an action river and a new children's area with a multistory play structure. Hurricane Mountain, Ohio's tallest water-slide complex, was moved from the existing water park to the new Wildwater Kingdom and renamed Thunder Falls.<ref name=Announcement /><ref name="WWK Opens">{{cite web|title=Wildwater Kingdom opens (Coaster-Net)|url=http://www.coaster-net.com/news/436-geauga-lake-aurora-oh-usa/|publisher=Coaster-Net|accessdate=November 16, 2012|date=June 18, 2005}}</ref> Together, they formed Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom. The parks were connected by a floating bridge in the middle of the lake.<ref name="Buckle up for a wild summer">{{cite news|last=Kelly|first=Mike|title=Buckle up for a wild summer|url=http://www.toledoblade.com/frontpage/2006/05/28/Buckle-up-for-a-wild-summer.html|accessdate=November 15, 2012|newspaper=[[Toledo Blade]]|date=May 27, 2006}}</ref>
Demolition of SeaWorld began in late 2004. Cedar Fair made plans to convert the site to a new water park.<ref name=Announcement /> On November 11, 2004, Cedar Fair unveiled the new park as Wildwater Kingdom, announcing that it would open in 2005 upon the completion of the first phase of construction,<ref name=Announcement /> which would include attractions such as [[ProSlide Tornado]], an activity pool, an action river, and a new children's area with a multistory play structure.<ref name=Announcement /> The Hurricane Mountain waterslide complex already at Six Flags Ohio was retained and renamed Thunder Falls.<ref name=Announcement /><ref name="WWK Opens">{{cite web|title=Wildwater Kingdom opens (Coaster-Net) |url=http://www.coaster-net.com/news/436-geauga-lake-aurora-oh-usa/ |publisher=Coaster-Net |access-date=November 16, 2012 |date=June 18, 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111219114049/http://coaster-net.com/news/436-geauga-lake-aurora-oh-usa/ |archive-date=December 19, 2011 }}</ref> The amusement and water park complex would be rebranded as Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom, connected by a floating bridge running through the middle of the lake.<ref name="Buckle up for a wild summer">{{cite news|last=Kelly|first=Mike|title=Buckle up for a wild summer|url=http://www.toledoblade.com/frontpage/2006/05/28/Buckle-up-for-a-wild-summer.html|access-date=November 15, 2012|newspaper=[[Toledo Blade]]|date=May 27, 2006}}</ref> The construction project was conducted in two phases, with the first costing $16&nbsp;million and the second costing $8&nbsp;million.<ref name=Announcement />


[[File:Wildwater Kingdom entrance.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Entrance to Wildwater Kingdom|alt=Entrance building, viewed from parking lot]]
[[File:Wildwater Kingdom entrance.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Entrance to Wildwater Kingdom|alt=Entrance building, viewed from parking lot]]
The second phase was scheduled for construction after the 2005 season to be ready for the 2006 season: however, not all of the second phase was built. A {{convert|38000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} [[wave pool]], an adult pool with whirlpool spas and a swim-up bar and two more water-slide towers were planned,<ref name=Announcement /> but only the wave pool was built.<ref name="Buckle up for a wild summer" /><ref name="GL announces 2006 plans">{{cite web|title=Geauga Lake announces 2006 plans|url=http://www.coaster-net.com/news/557-geauga-lake-announces-2006-plans/|publisher=Coaster-Net|accessdate=November 16, 2012|date=November 14, 2005}}</ref><ref name="GL CN">{{cite web|title=Geauga Lake at Coaster-Net|url=http://www.coaster-net.com/park-gallery/10-geauga-lake-defunct/|publisher=Coaster-Net|accessdate=November 17, 2012}}</ref> In addition to the attractions announced by the park, phase-two plans included an open-air auditorium and the reopening of the Happy Harbor play area. If both phases were completed, it would cover {{convert|20|acre}} and be one of the largest water parks in the United States.<ref name="Newspaper announcement" /> However, after plans fell through for most of the second phase<ref name="GL CN" /> the park's area was {{convert|17|acre}}.<ref name="New attractions 2007">{{cite web|title=Geauga Lake Readies New Attractions For 2007 Season|url=http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/stories/20070303_03.shtml|publisher=Ultimate Roller Coaster|accessdate=November 16, 2012|date=March 3, 2007}}</ref>
The second phase began the following offseason with plans to be completed in time for 2006, involving the addition of a {{convert|38000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} [[wave pool]], an adult pool with whirlpool spas, a swim-up bar, and two more water-slide towers.<ref name=Announcement /> There were also plans to add an open-air auditorium and reopen a play area called Happy Harbor.<ref name="Newspaper announcement" /> However, only the wave pool was built.<ref name="Buckle up for a wild summer" /><ref name="GL announces 2006 plans">{{cite web|title=Geauga Lake announces 2006 plans |url=http://www.coaster-net.com/news/557-geauga-lake-announces-2006-plans/ |publisher=Coaster-Net |access-date=November 16, 2012 |date=November 14, 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111221041131/http://coaster-net.com/news/557-geauga-lake-announces-2006-plans/ |archive-date=December 21, 2011 }}</ref><ref name="GL CN">{{cite web|title=Geauga Lake at Coaster-Net |url=http://www.coaster-net.com/park-gallery/10-geauga-lake-defunct/ |publisher=Coaster-Net |access-date=November 17, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512145058/http://coaster-net.com/park-gallery/10-geauga-lake-defunct/ |archive-date=May 12, 2012 }}</ref> If the second phase had been completed, Wildwater Kingdom would have encompassed {{convert|20|acre}} to become one of the largest water parks in the United States.<ref name="Newspaper announcement" /> Instead, it was only expanded to {{convert|17|acre}}.<ref name="New attractions 2007">{{cite web|title=Geauga Lake Readies New Attractions For 2007 Season|url=http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/stories/20070303_03.shtml|publisher=Ultimate Roller Coaster|access-date=November 16, 2012|date=March 3, 2007}}</ref>


Before Wildwater Kingdom, Geauga Lake had a water park (located on the ride side of the park) which operated for over 20 years. During the Six Flags era, it was known as [[Hurricane Harbor]]; Cedar Fair renamed it Hurricane Hannah's after it purchased the park in 2004. Hurricane Hannah's closed at the end of the 2005 season. It sat vacant and fenced off during the 2006 and 2007 seasons at Geauga Lake.
Before Wildwater Kingdom, Geauga Lake had its own water park which operated for more than 20 years. During the Six Flags era, it was known as [[Hurricane Harbor]]. Cedar Fair renamed it Hurricane Hannah's following its acquisition of World of Adventures in 2004. Hurricane Hannah's was closed permanently after the 2005 season, and it sat vacant and fenced off during the 2006 and 2007 seasons.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}}


On September 21, 2007, Cedar Fair announced its decision to close the ride side of Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom and reopen as a water park (Geauga Lake's Wildwater Kingdom) in 2008.<ref name="GLWK to close">{{cite web|title=Cedar Fair announces new direction for Geauga Lake|url=http://www.sys-con.com/node/432944|publisher=[[PR Newswire]]|accessdate=November 16, 2012|date=September 21, 2007}}</ref> On July 11, 2011, Cedar Fair announced they had dropped Geauga Lake from the title; the water park would be called Wildwater Kingdom.<ref name="Nixes Geauga Lake name">{{cite web|last=Wendel|first=Kim|title='Wildwater Kingdom' nixes Geauga Lake name|url=http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/198311/3/Aurora-Wildwater-Kingdom-nixes-Geauga-Lake-name|publisher=[[WKYC]]|accessdate=November 15, 2012|date=July 19, 2011}}</ref> While Geauga Lake's property is for sale, Cedar Fair has stated that Wildwater Kingdom is not for sale.<ref name="Geauga Lake land will be sold -- in pieces">{{cite web|last=Bullard|first=Stan|title=Geauga Lake land will be sold -- in pieces|url=http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20130304/SUB1/303049984&template=printart|publisher=Crain's Cleveland Business|date=March 4, 2013|accessdate=March 5, 2013}}</ref>
On September 21, 2007, Cedar Fair announced that the amusement park portion of Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom would not reopen in 2008.<ref name="GLWK to close">{{cite web|title=Cedar Fair announces new direction for Geauga Lake|url=http://www.sys-con.com/node/432944|publisher=[[PR Newswire]]|access-date=November 16, 2012|date=September 21, 2007}}</ref> Geauga Lake was dropped from the waterpark's title in 2011, and it was marketed as simply Wildwater Kingdom.<ref name="Nixes Geauga Lake name">{{cite web|last=Wendel|first=Kim|title='Wildwater Kingdom' nixes Geauga Lake name|url=http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/198311/3/Aurora-Wildwater-Kingdom-nixes-Geauga-Lake-name|publisher=[[WKYC]]|access-date=November 15, 2012|date=July 19, 2011|archive-date=September 19, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120919161809/http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/198311/3/Aurora-Wildwater-Kingdom-nixes-Geauga-Lake-name|url-status=dead}}</ref> The original amusement park's property was put up for sale in 2013.<ref name="Geauga Lake land will be sold -- in pieces">{{cite web|last=Bullard|first=Stan|title=Geauga Lake land will be sold -- in pieces|url=http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20130304/SUB1/303049984&template=printart|publisher=Crain's Cleveland Business|date=March 4, 2013|access-date=March 5, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130410172726/http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20130304/SUB1/303049984&template=printart|archive-date=April 10, 2013}}</ref>


Cedar Fair announced on August 19, 2016, that Wildwater Kingdom would not reopen after the 2016 season, with the last scheduled day of the park being September 5. According to their press release, "Cedar Fair has been working cooperatively with both Bainbridge Township and the City of Aurora to redevelop the entire property into what will best benefit the surrounding communities. After examining its long-range plans, Cedar Fair has determined that the time is right to begin this transition and will continue to work together with community leadership in the positive future development of the property."<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.wildwaterfun.com/media-center/wildwater-kingdom-update |title=Wildwater Kingdom Update |date=August 19, 2016 |accessdate=September 3, 2016 |publisher=[[Cedar Fair]]}}</ref>
Several years later, Wildwater Kingdom would close permanently as well. Cedar Fair made the announcement on August 19, 2016.<ref name="Closure" /> In their press release they stated, "Cedar Fair has been working cooperatively with both Bainbridge Township and the City of Aurora to redevelop the entire property into what will best benefit the surrounding communities. After examining its long-range plans, Cedar Fair has determined that the time is right to begin this transition and will continue to work together with community leadership in the positive future development of the property." The water park's final day of operation was September 5, 2016.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.wildwaterfun.com/media-center/wildwater-kingdom-update |title=Wildwater Kingdom Update|date=August 19, 2016|access-date=September 3, 2016|publisher=[[Cedar Fair]]|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160915113203/https://www.wildwaterfun.com/media-center/wildwater-kingdom-update|archive-date=September 15, 2016}}</ref> The last remaining atttractions were demolished in November 2017.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Morona |first1=Joey |title=Last remnants of Sea World-Geauga Lake gone as Wildwater Kingdom slides are demolished |url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2017/11/wildwater_kingdom_abandoned.html |website=Cleveland.com |access-date=June 11, 2020 |date=November 28, 2017}}</ref> In August 2020, ground was broken for a mixed-use development, featuring 308 residential units, 20 acres of commercial space and 98 acres of park land to replace the former Wildwater Kingdom property.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gaetjens |first1=Bob |title=Renaissance Park at Geauga Lake |url=https://www.record-courier.com/story/business/2020/08/21/renaissance-park-at-geauga-lake/42278861/ |publisher=Record-Courier |access-date=August 25, 2020 |date=August 25, 2020}}</ref>


==Slides and pools==
==Slides and pools==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
! style="width:20%;"|Area
! Area
! style="width:7%;"|Year opened
! Year opened
! style="width:20%;"|Manufacturer
! Manufacturer
! style="width:50%;"|Description
! Description
! style="width:15%;"|Thrill Rating
! Thrill Rating
|-
|-
|Coral Cove
|Coral Cove
|2005
|2005
|Aquatic Development Group, Inc.
|Aquatic Development Group, Inc.
|Activity pool with basketball hoops, interactive water sprays and climbable floatables
|Activity pool with basketball hoops, interactive water sprays and climbable floatables.
|Mild
|Mild
|-
|-
Line 68: Line 66:
|2005
|2005
|[[ProSlide Technology]]
|[[ProSlide Technology]]
|[[ProSlide Tornado|Tornado]] slide which drops {{convert|60|ft|adj=off}}
|[[ProSlide Tornado|Tornado]] slide which dropped {{convert|60|ft|adj=off}}.
|Max
|Max
|-
|-
Line 74: Line 72:
|2005
|2005
|Aquatic Development Group, Inc.
|Aquatic Development Group, Inc.
|{{convert|1100|ft|adj=on}} long [[lazy river]]
|{{convert|1100|ft|adj=on}} long [[lazy river]].
|Mild
|Mild
|-
|-
Line 80: Line 78:
|2005
|2005
|[[WhiteWater West]]
|[[WhiteWater West]]
|Four-story children's play area with 7 water slides, soaking gadgets, geysers, water cannons and a giant bucket dropping 1,000 gallons of water at several-minute intervals
|Four-story children's play area that had 7 waterslides, soaking gadgets, geysers, water cannons and a giant bucket that dropped 1,000 gallons of water at several-minute intervals.
|Mild
|Mild
|-
|-
Line 86: Line 84:
|2005
|2005
|[[WhiteWater West]]
|[[WhiteWater West]]
|{{convert|100|ft|adj=on}} high tower featuring 4 [[inner tube slide]]s and 3 [[body slide]]s, the tallest water-slide complex in Ohio.<ref name="4th of July activities" /> It opened in 2003 at Hurricane Hannah's (the water park located next to Geauga Lake before Wildwater Kingdom opened), and was moved to Wildwater Kingdom when it opened.<ref name="GL announces 2006 plans" /><ref name="GL CN" />
|{{convert|100|ft|adj=on}} high tower that featured 4 [[inner tube slide]]s and 3 [[body slide]]s. It was once the tallest water-slide complex in Ohio.<ref name="4th of July activities" /> It originally opened in 2003 at Hurricane Hannah's (the water park which was part of Geauga Lake before it merged with SeaWorld Ohio), and was moved to Wildwater Kingdom when the latter opened.<ref name="GL announces 2006 plans" /><ref name="GL CN" />
|Moderate
|Moderate
|-
|-
Line 92: Line 90:
|2006
|2006
|Neuman Group
|Neuman Group
|{{convert|38000|sqft|m2|adj=on}}, 390,000-gallon [[wave pool]], one of the largest outdoor wave pools in Ohio<ref name="4th of July activities" />
|{{convert|38000|sqft|m2|adj=on}}, 390,000-gallon [[wave pool]]. Was once one of the largest outdoor wave pools in Ohio.<ref name="4th of July activities" />
|Mild
|Mild
|-
|-
Line 98: Line 96:


===Other attractions===
===Other attractions===
In addition to slides and pools, the park features several other family attractions. In 2010 it added a beach family-fun area, a children's attraction featuring a giant chessboard with movable playing pieces such as knights, rooks and pawns. There is also a sand-beach area overlooking Geauga Lake.<ref name="4th of July activities">{{cite web|title=Wildwater Kingdom Celebrates Independence Day with Special Deals and Discounts|url=http://www.sys-con.com/node/1449557|publisher=[[PR Newswire]]|accessdate=November 16, 2012|date=June 29, 2012}}</ref> [[Little Tikes|Little Tikes Town]], a children's area with playhouses and toys, is located behind Thunder Falls.
In addition to slides and pools, the park featured several other family attractions. In 2010 it added a beach family-fun area, a children's attraction featuring a giant chessboard with movable playing pieces. There was also a beach area overlooking Geauga Lake.<ref name="4th of July activities">{{cite web|title=Wildwater Kingdom Celebrates Independence Day with Special Deals and Discounts|url=http://www.sys-con.com/node/1449557|publisher=[[PR Newswire]]|access-date=November 16, 2012|date=June 29, 2012}}</ref> [[Little Tikes|Little Tikes Town]], a children's area with playhouses and toys, was located behind Thunder Falls.


==Reception==
==Reception==
Wildwater Kingdom is regarded as [[Northeast Ohio]]'s best water park.<ref name="Flying Compass">{{cite web|title=Wildwater Kingdom (Flying Compass)|url=http://www.flyingcompass.com/Ohio/Aurora/Attractions/1-28-13206.html|publisher=Flying Compass|accessdate=November 16, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Love to Know">{{cite web|title=SeaWorld Ohio (Love to Know)|url=http://themeparks.lovetoknow.com/seaworld-parks-entertainment/sea-world-cleveland-ohio|publisher=Love to Know|accessdate=November 16, 2012}}</ref> When the park operated as [[Geauga Lake|Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom]], the water park was the park's "highest rated attribute".<ref name="GLWK to close" /><ref name="End has come for Geauga Lake">{{cite web|title=The ride has come to an end at Geauga Lake|url=http://www.coaster-net.com/news/872-the-ride-has-come-to-an-end-at-geauga-lake/|publisher=Coaster-Net|accessdate=November 16, 2012|date=September 22, 2007}}</ref>
Wildwater Kingdom was regarded as [[Northeast Ohio]]'s best water park.<ref name="Flying Compass">{{cite web|title=Wildwater Kingdom (Flying Compass)|url=http://www.flyingcompass.com/Ohio/Aurora/Attractions/1-28-13206.html|publisher=Flying Compass|access-date=November 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110217075012/http://www.flyingcompass.com/Ohio/Aurora/Attractions/1-28-13206.html|archive-date=February 17, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Love to Know">{{cite web|title=SeaWorld Ohio (Love to Know)|url=http://themeparks.lovetoknow.com/seaworld-parks-entertainment/sea-world-cleveland-ohio|publisher=Love to Know|access-date=November 16, 2012}}</ref> When the park operated as [[Geauga Lake|Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom]], the water park was the park's "highest rated attribute".<ref name="GLWK to close" /><ref name="End has come for Geauga Lake">{{cite web|title=The ride has come to an end at Geauga Lake |url=http://www.coaster-net.com/news/872-the-ride-has-come-to-an-end-at-geauga-lake/ |publisher=Coaster-Net |access-date=November 16, 2012 |date=September 22, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111219215231/http://coaster-net.com/news/872-the-ride-has-come-to-an-end-at-geauga-lake/ |archive-date=December 19, 2011 }}</ref>


==In popular culture==
==In popular culture==
A scene between [[Kevin Costner]] and [[Frank Langella]] in the 2014 film ''[[Draft Day]],'' was filmed at Wildwater Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web|title=‘Draft Day’ covers Northeast Ohio|url=http://www.ohio.com/sports/browns/draft-day-covers-northeast-ohio-1.478778|publisher=Ohio.com|accessdate=February 25, 2015|date=April 4, 2014}}</ref>
A scene between [[Kevin Costner]] and [[Frank Langella]] in the 2014 film ''[[Draft Day]],'' was filmed at Wildwater Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web |title='Draft Day' covers Northeast Ohio |url=http://www.ohio.com/sports/browns/draft-day-covers-northeast-ohio-1.478778 |work=Akron Beacon Journal |access-date=February 25, 2015 |date=April 5, 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908234134/http://www.ohio.com/sports/browns/draft-day-covers-northeast-ohio-1.478778 |archivedate=September 8, 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom#Wildwater Kingdom|Wildwater Kingdom]] in [[Allentown, Pennsylvania]] (another Cedar Fair property)
* [[Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom#Wildwater Kingdom|Wildwater Kingdom]] in [[Allentown, Pennsylvania]] (another Cedar Fair property)
* [[List of water parks]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|30em}}


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.wildwaterfun.com/ Official website]
* [http://www.wildwaterfun.com/plan-a-visit/park-map-brochure Park map]
* [http://rollercoasterfreak.com/Geauga_Lake/2_phase_expansion.jpg Artist's rendering of the second phase of Wldwater Kingdom]
* [http://rollercoasterfreak.com/Geauga_Lake/2_phase_expansion.jpg Artist's rendering of the second phase of Wldwater Kingdom]


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{{Good article}}


[[Category:Cedar Fair water parks]]
[[Category:Cedar Fair water parks]] <!--Leave; As it was a Cedar Fair property before the merger-->
[[Category:Water parks in Ohio]]
[[Category:Water parks in Ohio]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in Ohio]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures completed in 2005]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures completed in 2005]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Geauga County, Ohio]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Geauga County, Ohio]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Portage County, Ohio]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Portage County, Ohio]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Portage County, Ohio]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures demolished in 2017]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Geauga County, Ohio]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Portage County, Ohio]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Geauga County, Ohio]]
[[Category:2005 establishments in Ohio]]
[[Category:2005 establishments in Ohio]]
[[Category:2016 disestablishments in Ohio]]
[[Category:Amusement parks closed in 2016]]
[[Category:Aurora, Ohio]]

Latest revision as of 21:23, 20 November 2024

Wildwater Kingdom
Slogan"Let the good times flow"
LocationAurora and Bainbridge Township, Ohio, United States
Coordinates41°20′54″N 81°22′09″W / 41.34839°N 81.36919°W / 41.34839; -81.36919
OwnerCedar Fair
General managerBill Spehn
OpenedJune 17, 2005; 19 years ago (2005-06-17)
ClosedSeptember 5, 2016; 8 years ago (2016-09-05)
Previous namesGeauga Lake's Wildwater Kingdom (2008–2011)
Operating seasonMay–September
StatusDefunct[[]]
Pools3 pools
Water slides15 water slides
Children's areas2 children's areas
Websitehttps://www.wildwaterfun.com/ (archived)

Wildwater Kingdom was a water park located in Aurora and Bainbridge Township, Ohio, United States. Owned by Cedar Fair, the park opened in 2005 as part of the larger Geauga Lake and Wildwater Kingdom resort. The site was previously the location of SeaWorld Ohio (1970–2000) and later served as the marine life section of the larger Six Flags Worlds of Adventure (2001–2003). Worlds of Adventure was purchased by Cedar Fair in 2004 and the marine life area was converted into a water park for the 2005 season.

Cedar Fair closed the Geauga Lake amusement park following the 2007 season but kept the water park open. It was first known as Geauga Lake's Wildwater Kingdom, and the name was later shortened to Wildwater Kingdom. Its normal operating season extended from late May to Labor Day each year. The park featured 15 water slides including Thunder Falls, which opened as the tallest water slide complex in Ohio.[1] On August 19, 2016, Cedar Fair released a statement announcing the permanent closure of Wildwater Kingdom. Its final day of operation was September 5, 2016.[2]

History

[edit]

Background

[edit]

Wildwater Kingdom was located on the former site of SeaWorld Ohio.[3][4] In January 2001, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment sold SeaWorld Ohio to Six Flags, who combined the site with Six Flags Ohio to form Six Flags Worlds of Adventure.[5][6] Six Flags sold Worlds of Adventure to Cedar Fair in 2004,[7] resulting in the removal of all Looney Tunes and DC Comics branding from the park and the Geauga Lake name being reinstituted.

Wildwater Kingdom

[edit]
Multicolored water slide in wooded setting
Thunder Falls, viewed from across the lake

Demolition of SeaWorld began in late 2004. Cedar Fair made plans to convert the site to a new water park.[3] On November 11, 2004, Cedar Fair unveiled the new park as Wildwater Kingdom, announcing that it would open in 2005 upon the completion of the first phase of construction,[3] which would include attractions such as ProSlide Tornado, an activity pool, an action river, and a new children's area with a multistory play structure.[3] The Hurricane Mountain waterslide complex already at Six Flags Ohio was retained and renamed Thunder Falls.[3][8] The amusement and water park complex would be rebranded as Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom, connected by a floating bridge running through the middle of the lake.[9] The construction project was conducted in two phases, with the first costing $16 million and the second costing $8 million.[3]

Entrance building, viewed from parking lot
Entrance to Wildwater Kingdom

The second phase began the following offseason with plans to be completed in time for 2006, involving the addition of a 38,000-square-foot (3,500 m2) wave pool, an adult pool with whirlpool spas, a swim-up bar, and two more water-slide towers.[3] There were also plans to add an open-air auditorium and reopen a play area called Happy Harbor.[4] However, only the wave pool was built.[9][10][11] If the second phase had been completed, Wildwater Kingdom would have encompassed 20 acres (8.1 ha) to become one of the largest water parks in the United States.[4] Instead, it was only expanded to 17 acres (6.9 ha).[12]

Before Wildwater Kingdom, Geauga Lake had its own water park which operated for more than 20 years. During the Six Flags era, it was known as Hurricane Harbor. Cedar Fair renamed it Hurricane Hannah's following its acquisition of World of Adventures in 2004. Hurricane Hannah's was closed permanently after the 2005 season, and it sat vacant and fenced off during the 2006 and 2007 seasons.[citation needed]

On September 21, 2007, Cedar Fair announced that the amusement park portion of Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom would not reopen in 2008.[13] Geauga Lake was dropped from the waterpark's title in 2011, and it was marketed as simply Wildwater Kingdom.[14] The original amusement park's property was put up for sale in 2013.[15]

Several years later, Wildwater Kingdom would close permanently as well. Cedar Fair made the announcement on August 19, 2016.[2] In their press release they stated, "Cedar Fair has been working cooperatively with both Bainbridge Township and the City of Aurora to redevelop the entire property into what will best benefit the surrounding communities. After examining its long-range plans, Cedar Fair has determined that the time is right to begin this transition and will continue to work together with community leadership in the positive future development of the property." The water park's final day of operation was September 5, 2016.[16] The last remaining atttractions were demolished in November 2017.[17] In August 2020, ground was broken for a mixed-use development, featuring 308 residential units, 20 acres of commercial space and 98 acres of park land to replace the former Wildwater Kingdom property.[18]

Slides and pools

[edit]
Area Year opened Manufacturer Description Thrill Rating
Coral Cove 2005 Aquatic Development Group, Inc. Activity pool with basketball hoops, interactive water sprays and climbable floatables. Mild
Liquid Lightning 2005 ProSlide Technology Tornado slide which dropped 60 feet (18 m). Max
Riptide Run 2005 Aquatic Development Group, Inc. 1,100-foot (340 m) long lazy river. Mild
Splash Landing 2005 WhiteWater West Four-story children's play area that had 7 waterslides, soaking gadgets, geysers, water cannons and a giant bucket that dropped 1,000 gallons of water at several-minute intervals. Mild
Thunder Falls 2005 WhiteWater West 100-foot (30 m) high tower that featured 4 inner tube slides and 3 body slides. It was once the tallest water-slide complex in Ohio.[1] It originally opened in 2003 at Hurricane Hannah's (the water park which was part of Geauga Lake before it merged with SeaWorld Ohio), and was moved to Wildwater Kingdom when the latter opened.[10][11] Moderate
Tidal Wave Bay 2006 Neuman Group 38,000-square-foot (3,500 m2), 390,000-gallon wave pool. Was once one of the largest outdoor wave pools in Ohio.[1] Mild

Other attractions

[edit]

In addition to slides and pools, the park featured several other family attractions. In 2010 it added a beach family-fun area, a children's attraction featuring a giant chessboard with movable playing pieces. There was also a beach area overlooking Geauga Lake.[1] Little Tikes Town, a children's area with playhouses and toys, was located behind Thunder Falls.

Reception

[edit]

Wildwater Kingdom was regarded as Northeast Ohio's best water park.[19][20] When the park operated as Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom, the water park was the park's "highest rated attribute".[13][21]

[edit]

A scene between Kevin Costner and Frank Langella in the 2014 film Draft Day, was filmed at Wildwater Kingdom.[22]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d "Wildwater Kingdom Celebrates Independence Day with Special Deals and Discounts". PR Newswire. June 29, 2012. Retrieved November 16, 2012.
  2. ^ a b "Cedar Fair Pulls the Plug on Ohio's Wildwater Kingdom". NewsPlusNotes. 20 August 2016.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Gieszl, Eric (November 11, 2004). "Geauga Lake 2005 Expansion Includes New Water Park". Ultimate Roller Coaster. Retrieved November 16, 2012.
  4. ^ a b c "Geauga Lake plans a new water park". Toledo Blade. November 24, 2004. Retrieved November 16, 2004.
  5. ^ "Six Flags and SeaWorld merge to former megapark". The Vindicator. February 2, 2001. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
  6. ^ "Six Flags creates new mega park in Ohio". Ultimate Roller Coaster. February 1, 2001. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
  7. ^ "Six Flags agrees to sell Ohio park for $145M". Pittsburgh Business Times. March 10, 2004. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
  8. ^ "Wildwater Kingdom opens (Coaster-Net)". Coaster-Net. June 18, 2005. Archived from the original on December 19, 2011. Retrieved November 16, 2012.
  9. ^ a b Kelly, Mike (May 27, 2006). "Buckle up for a wild summer". Toledo Blade. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
  10. ^ a b "Geauga Lake announces 2006 plans". Coaster-Net. November 14, 2005. Archived from the original on December 21, 2011. Retrieved November 16, 2012.
  11. ^ a b "Geauga Lake at Coaster-Net". Coaster-Net. Archived from the original on May 12, 2012. Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  12. ^ "Geauga Lake Readies New Attractions For 2007 Season". Ultimate Roller Coaster. March 3, 2007. Retrieved November 16, 2012.
  13. ^ a b "Cedar Fair announces new direction for Geauga Lake". PR Newswire. September 21, 2007. Retrieved November 16, 2012.
  14. ^ Wendel, Kim (July 19, 2011). "'Wildwater Kingdom' nixes Geauga Lake name". WKYC. Archived from the original on September 19, 2012. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
  15. ^ Bullard, Stan (March 4, 2013). "Geauga Lake land will be sold -- in pieces". Crain's Cleveland Business. Archived from the original on April 10, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2013.
  16. ^ "Wildwater Kingdom Update" (Press release). Cedar Fair. August 19, 2016. Archived from the original on September 15, 2016. Retrieved September 3, 2016.
  17. ^ Morona, Joey (November 28, 2017). "Last remnants of Sea World-Geauga Lake gone as Wildwater Kingdom slides are demolished". Cleveland.com. Retrieved June 11, 2020.
  18. ^ Gaetjens, Bob (August 25, 2020). "Renaissance Park at Geauga Lake". Record-Courier. Retrieved August 25, 2020.
  19. ^ "Wildwater Kingdom (Flying Compass)". Flying Compass. Archived from the original on February 17, 2011. Retrieved November 16, 2012.
  20. ^ "SeaWorld Ohio (Love to Know)". Love to Know. Retrieved November 16, 2012.
  21. ^ "The ride has come to an end at Geauga Lake". Coaster-Net. September 22, 2007. Archived from the original on December 19, 2011. Retrieved November 16, 2012.
  22. ^ "'Draft Day' covers Northeast Ohio". Akron Beacon Journal. April 5, 2014. Archived from the original on September 8, 2015. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
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