A hot new summer attraction is coming to Minnedosa Beach this summer. Splish Splash Water Park are in the works to locate a 100-person floating inflatable waterpark on Minnedosa Lake with an opening date targeted for late June 2019.
“It’s an inflatable water park, like a floating obstacle course out on the water” said Gerry Champagne, owner of Calgary’s Splish Splash Water Park. “These parks are found in Canada and across the world, but there is none in the prairies at this time; to be the first and only water park in the province is an incredible opportunity for both Splish Splash and for the community of Minnedosa.”
Champagne first approached Travel Manitoba for help finding suitable communities in the province, where it was presented to Minnedosa’s Economic Development Officer, Chantelle Parrott who jumped at the idea. Similar attractions elsewhere have proven immensely popular and successful at bringing in tourist numbers.
“Tourism is very important for our local economy, and the investment into our community is more than welcome. This leverages the lake and really complements our existing tourism offering. It’s a fantastic way to draw people to town, hopefully visitors will make the most of everything Minnedosa has to offer while they’re here.” stated Parrott.
Champagne has been working diligently to obtain approval to locate the structure in Minnedosa Lake which includes various municipal, provincial, and federal agencies, in time to have the structure custom built by the manufacturer, and shipped from the UK in time for summer 2019.
The Town of Minnedosa authorized access to the beach, while the federal Department of Oceans and Fisheries completed an environmental assessment prior to authorizing the project. Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation (MIT) have now granted the final approval for the business to place the structure in the water this June.
Champagne said the business would be open daily during the summer, with regular hours from June to Labour Day. Strict safety requirements are enforced, including mandatory life jackets and qualified lifeguards on duty; certified lifeguards are encouraged to apply for this exciting summer job as soon as possible.
“Splish Splash Water Park will bring a unique and exciting attraction to Minnedosa for both locals and visitors alike. We’re looking forward to working with the Town of Minnedosa and hoping for a fantastic summer at the beach, having fun in the sun, and making memories, that’s really what we’re doing here.”
