Justifying closing a water park earlier than usual for major renovations

By Carolyn Mondlock

With routine maintenance, inspections, and upgrades, water park operating systems can last at least 20 years before major renovations are needed. While maintenance can keep guests safe and happy, a carefully planned, end-of-season closure for a park is just as important to the success of opening one the next season. However, even more important than planning to close earlier than in a typical year is communicating that message to residents.

Coral Cove Water Park in Carol Stream, Ill., opened in 1990 adjacent to a new recreation center. In 2002, the park received a facelift with new and updated amenities, including slides, a splash pad, and tot play areas, and was branded with the new name. In 2010 the splash play area was renovated, and a climbing wall was added.

In August 2022, the water park began a $1.25-million, nine-month renovation to improve underlying operating systems. The park re-opened its doors to visitors at the end of May 2023 for the summer season.