MURRIETA––The wading pool and plastic slide can stay stored in the garage this summer with a water park set to open by late May.
Construction for the first phase of the new water park going in at Mulligan Family Fun Center began Tuesday, March 1.
The project is set to be completed in five phases. This first phase, costing $1.5 million, consists of a 104-foot wide water play area, containing five slides, multi-level platforms, interactive aquatic controls, vibrant colors, spray nozzles and a Big Splash Pumping Station. Mulligan’s hopes to have it open by Memorial Day weekend.
Below the structure, however, will be a water run-off zone rather than a pool. The area will have a full staff of water attendants.
The structure will replace their Blaster Boat attraction, which is now closed indefinitely. However, none of the other attractions are going to be affected, and remain open, assured Scott Agajanian, group sales and marketing manager at Mulligan’s Family Fun Center.
Phase one also includes the addition of bathrooms with showers and locker rooms. This gives guests a place to get cleaned and dried off, especially if they want to enjoy other attractions after playing in the water.
Use of the water area will be included in a day pass, so guests have the option to enjoy all of the attractions. “There’s nothing more fun than going on the go-carts soaking wet, especially on a hot day,” said Agajanian.
Lounge chairs will be set up around the structure for guests who want to relax in the sun; cabanas will also be available for those who prefer to lounge in the shade. Plans to move concessions closer to the water area are in progress, and this area will allow for parties and events.
The play area is ultimately designed for children ages 3 to 13, but Agajanian says he is excited to go on the slides too. A water park Advertisement
DMM Note Investors ]gives another option for a family outing, which is needed in the growing area.
Comments left on different online articles about the water park, on other local news websites, show that residents are excited about the addition, especially for their families.
Summers in Murrieta, according to the Weather Channel website, average around 92 degrees in June, go to 98 degrees in July and August, and then back down to 93 in September.
It is not uncommon, however, for temperatures to go past 100 degrees. This climate not only requires a water park, according Agajanian, it also provides a long season for a water park since weather is warm almost year round. The water attractions would be closed during the winter months he added.
In past years a water park was planned to open in Temecula. Clearwater Waterpark Development of Orange County was behind the proposed park, Splash Canyon.
There are water parks in neighboring counties and in Palm Springs, but none that serve Southwest Riverside County.
Mulligan Family Fun Center can put in the park quickly, said Agajanian. Currently with the economy many amusement parks are not expanding, but Mulligan’s feels it can provide the anticipated park.
The timeline for the park’s completion is estimated at five years. The finished project will include more slides and a lazy river, a round pool of continuously moving water guests can float around in on inner tubes.
The only change that is being thought about is downsizing from two mini-golf courses to one course.
The center will keep all its other activities, and the inside area will remain untouched, said Agajanian. They will just have a water park too.
Eventually though, it is possible guests will be able to pay for admission to either the Family Fun Center or the water park, after it becomes a place one can spend an entire day at, said Agajanian.