For the past 30 years, families from all over the United States have flocked to Deep River Waterpark for a "splash-tastic" day of fun in the sun. Located just 4 ½ miles east of Interstate 65, Deep River is difficult for travelers on Route 30 to miss, with iconic park attractions like Mayor Byrdovich's Courthouse and the Dragon Speed Slides towering over the surrounding trees. Deep River Waterpark was founded and currently managed by the Lake County Parks and Recreation Department, and has been instrumental in putting the Region on the map as a tourist destination.
Jim Basala, CEO of Lake County Parks and Recreation Department and first ever general manager of Deep River Waterpark, looks back fondly on the park's origins.
“I vividly remember Friday, May 26, 1995,” Basala said. “That was the very first opening day of Deep River Waterpark. It was a pleasant sunny day as hundreds of school kids made their way through the park gates for the very first time. It was a challenge for the Lake County Parks and Recreation Department to reach that point, but now, 30 years later, we have generated millions of visits to Deep River Waterpark."
Deep River Waterpark's story begins in 1988, when local residents were surveyed to see if they wanted more water-based attractions to be built in Lake County. After the survey received a decidedly positive response from the community, the planning for what would eventually be Deep River Waterpark officially began. The tract of land on which the waterpark was built was added to the Deep River County Park campus, expanding the campus to 1,200 acres of land to the north and south of Route 30.
The five-year waterpark development plan that started with the intensive research survey then went into full swing. As lawsuits were handled and pushback from community members was addressed, the County Council voted in support of the Deep River Waterpark project.
Eventually, construction on the park was completed. At the time of its opening, it featured two body slides, a tub slide, the Rip Tide Wave pool, and the Bayou slow river ride. It also featured Paddles PlayZone, an attraction named after the park’s lovable mascot, Paddles T. Otter, where young park goers could enjoy water play and smaller slides.
The park’s first season was a smashing success. Over 200,000 guests came to Deep River Waterpark that summer, far exceeding the park’s projected attendance of 140,000 guests. Shocked by the park’s popularity, Lake County Parks and Recreation Department officials gave their approval for the “Storm” triple dark ride complex to be added the following year. The 60-foot tall Dragon speed slide complex, the park’s tallest structure, was added in 1999. New shade structures, chairs, tables, restrooms, and two new food and beverage areas were added to accommodate all of Deep River Waterpark’s guests.
In 2004, construction began on a massive expansion project at the park. By 2005, Deep River Waterpark had almost doubled in size, with the Double Dueling Cannonbowl bowl slides, the Mayor Byrdovich's Courthouse family play structure, and new visitor amenities being added. The expansion also included new food stands, an expanded parking lot, and drop-off areas for buses. After the project’s completion, the park’s daily visitor capacity grew from 5,000 to 7,000.
As it elevated local tourism to the next level and offered families hours of summer fun, Deep River Waterpark also created job opportunities for local residents. Hundreds of teenagers have worked as lifeguards, cashiers, and ride operators at the park since it first opened. Some of them have even been promoted to full-time, high-ranking positions at the park. Deep River Waterpark’s current park service lead, food and beverage manager, and water safety supervisor have all three been working at the park since they were in high school.
During Deep River Waterpark's early years, Basala had no idea just how much these young employees would be impacted by their time working at Deep River. He certainly sees it now.
"Deep River has employed thousands of young people over the years," Basala said. "For many of them, it was their very first job. Beyond the economic impact we have had on the Region through tourism, I think our impact on all of those young people is amazing. Once young inexperienced kids, they are now teachers, pharmacists, airline pilots, engineers, firemen, police officers, iron workers, executive chefs and so much more. Most importantly, they have also become moms and dads."
An outdoor ice plaza was also added to the park, opening the day after Thanksgiving in 2005. This provided residents with a much-needed local skating rink and enabled the park to continue to operate during its off-season.
Twelve years later, the park’s most recent addition, the six-lane Kraken mat slide racer ride was added. Today, Deep River Waterpark features a total of 12 rides and water-based attractions, food stands like Chompy’s Pizza Place, the Surf Side Café, and Cactus Jack’s, as well as rentable cabanas and gazebos.
Basala appreciates seeing how all of the hard work to develop the park has paid off to an overwhelming degree.
"That first year, our main concern was to get through the season safely, profitably and with a smile on our faces," Basala said. "We did all of that and more. Deep River Waterpark is now a name that is recognized internationally and stands out as not just a successful operation, but also a leader in the waterpark industry. To think that it all started over 35 years ago when someone said 'We should build a waterpark.'”
Now, Deep River Waterpark is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and is going all out to celebrate! This includes all admission prices being lowered, three affordable evening splash parties, 30 free on the 30th of every month, and much more, so stop by this summer for a "splash-tastic" time.
If you want to learn more about Deep River Waterpark and Lake County Parks and Recreation, please visit lakecountyparks.com.
