Wild Rivers has unveiled its new site plan. The $50 million water park is expected to open in May 2020.

The attraction in Irvine, California closed in 2011 due to the expiration of its lease after 25 years in operation. It was originally set to open in 2019.

Water slides, raft rides and a lazy river are expected additions to the park, which will be “dramatically different – the rides are far and away better”, according to Wild Rivers CEO Mike Riedel (via The Orange County Register).

Wild Rivers will be 50 percent larger, the river 400 feet longer, and the wave pool bigger. The Bombay Blasters slide will be recreated, and there will be a new Congo River Rapids ride.

It’s also set to include an uphill water coaster, water play structures for children, a wave pool, and a river rapids ride.

Riedel confirmed that he’s still finalising details of the design and financing for Wild Rivers, though he added that he’s confident that the new water park will be built, and he plans to start construction as soon as a lease is signed.

“Council’s been pretty clear that they want Wild Rivers, and Wild Rivers has been pretty clear about wanting to be there,” he said.

‘Wild Rivers is moving forward’

An update on Wild Rivers from December stated that “things are continuing to move forward”.

Irvine City Council approved an exclusive negotiating agreement with Wild Rivers to build and operate a water park in the southeastern area of the park in June 2017.

The water park will be a part of the 94-hectare Cultural Terrace, which is currently in development. The terrace will include an amphitheatre, lake, library and museums.

Images: Wild Rivers