Kalahari Resorts & Conventions has announced an opening date for its $85 million, 75,000-square-foot water park expansion at its Wisconsin Dells flagship resort.
The Aquadome will open to the public on 10 October with a first-of-its-kind retractable roof for the Dells, as well as the world's first enclosed Boomerango waterslide.
"The Aquadome is built for how our guests actually spend a day with us – one space that keeps the fun going no matter what the weather does, slides for every age and thrill level, and a pool made for slowing down once everyone's ready to relax," said Travis Nelson, president of Kalahari Resorts & Conventions.
“We've watched this property grow for 26 years, and this expansion is our biggest step yet in proving Wisconsin Dells is the year-round aquatic destination."
Kalahari's Aquadome will open to the public on 10 October with a first-of-its-kind retractable roof for the DellsKalahari
As above, the expansion features an aluminium and glass enclosure with a retractable polycarbonate roof, designed and built by OpenAire, a global leader in designing and constructing custom-engineered, all-weather retractable roof enclosures for aquatic venues.
The new addition provides guests with "an open-air waterpark experience on nice days, while still offering the reliability of a fully indoor park the rest of the year", said Mark Albertine, president of OpenAire.
As well as the retractable roof, the expansion includes three headline slides, Zambezi Rapids, Viper Venom and Nile River Racers, which all launch from a 70-foot tower anchoring the Aquadome.
Made by WhiteWater, a leading waterpark manufacturer, Zambezi Rapids is the world's first enclosed Boomerango, while Viper Venom is the first and only six-person indoor water coaster in North America
"Kalahari wanted attractions that packed a punch, so our designers worked closely with them to create exceptional high-thrill ride experiences that would appeal to not just teens and adults, but kids as well,” said Onno Meeter, president of water parks at WhiteWater.
"With thrill rides complementing kids’ slides in the beautifully themed kids’ area, Kalahari’s expansion is destined to produce lifelong adrenaline junkies and loyal season passholders."
Aquadome was designed by Martin Aquatic, a world-class aquatic firm.
Josh Martin, president and creative director of Martin Aquatic, said: "This expansion, paired with the existing waterpark offering, raises the bar in Wisconsin Dells, making this a true aquatic leisure destination."
In addition to Wisconsin Dells, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions has locations in Sandusky, Ohio; Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania; and Round Rock, Texas.
A new resort is opening in November in Spotsylvania, Virginia.
