From press release

The Rockford Park District celebrated the unveiling of the new Tsunami Bay wave pool and other new park amenities with a dedication event held May 28 at Magic Waters Waterpark, 7820 CheryVale N. Blvd., Cherry Valley. The park officially opened on weekends beginning Saturday, May 29, and will be open seven days a week beginning Saturday, June 5.

Tsunami Bay wave pool background

The wave-generating equipment for the wave pool at Magic Waters is the original equipment installed in the mid-1980s. The new wave system replaces an older and failing system with more modern and efficient wave-generating blowers. The programmable control system will produce stronger, more sustainable waves with up to eight different wave patterns providing an enjoyable wave pool experience for Magic Waters’ customers.

“Updating our outdated wave pool system this year was based on feedback we received from Magic Waters users. In addition to the new wave pool system, it was important for us to keep our rates affordable and offer a clean and safe waterpark experience for our guests. We look forward to offering area families a wonderful vacation destination close to home,” said Director of Magic Waters & Aquatics Jessica Steinberg.

Tsunami Bay wave pool fast facts:

• David Oliver won the “Help Name the Wave Pool Contest” from more than 200 submissions.
Rockford Park District’s Magic Waters unveils new wave pool, additions for 2010 Wave pool holds 700,000 gallons of water.

Magic Waters fast facts:

• 43-acre waterpark

• Bucket – holds 1,000 gallons of water

• Staff—400 seasonal and full-time

• 5-year average attendance: 216,431

• Customers–42 percent resident; 58 percent non-resident

Magic Waters timeline

• 1988 – Rockford Park District purchases Magic Waters; first tube slide

• 1989 – Second tube slide added

• 1990 – Park District acquires 16.5 acres adjacent to the waterpark

• 1993 – Splash Magic River opens

• 1997 – Splash Magic Island opens, Island Café and restrooms added

• 2000 – Splash Blaster opens; Park District acquires 12 acres adjacent to waterpark

• 2003 – New gift shop opens

• 2004 – Abyss ride opens

• 2009 – Typhoon Terror ride, Luau Lane Tailgate Area, Cabana Village, and Hula Hut Changing Facility added

What’s new in 2010?

In addition to the new Tsunami Bay wave pool, other park amenities and events have been added this year:

More Cabana Village luxury cabanas and cabana wait staff: Due to popular demand, the park has added three additional luxury cabanas. All-day rental includes the amenities of the basic cabana, plus a refrigerator with eight bottled waters, cable TV, eight packages of cotton candy, and Magic Waters souvenirs. Optional: Cabana Food Package. The basic cabana includes: a comfortable shaded area for 6-8 guests, up to eight single tube rentals or four double tubes, WiFi, locker rental, and ice cooler with bottled water. Cabana wait staff has been added to enhance guests’ experience.

Shaded lockers in Hula

Hut family changing area

Shaded rental lockers have been added to the plaza area around the Hula Hut family changing area. Hula Hut includes four private family changing rooms in addition to common areas with bathrooms, sinks, showers, additional changing rooms, suit dryers and baby changing stations.

New food and beverage options

Menu and concession options have been expanded throughout the park and partnered with Culver’s to provide tasty treats for guests. New items–lizard tails (fried pickles), funnel cakes fries, and iced coffee smoothies.

Deals

• $10 Buck Tuesdays—Back by popular demand, every Tuesday is $10 Buck Tuesday at Magic Waters.

• Family Splash Packs—Save over $20! A full day of fun at one low price.

• Magic Moola Wristband—A convenient way to purchase food, surf shop items, and tube rentals with a swipe of your wristband.

• Ticket to ride with RMTD—Ride Rockford Mass Transit Route #11 East State to Magic Waters June 9-13 and receive $5 off admission.

Sponsorship opportunities

Sponsorship opportunities have been expanded both inside and outside the waterpark, including the opportunity to reach more than 14.6 million potential customers a year with a sign on the Splash Blaster attraction facing I-90. Current Magic Waters sponsors include: Bryden Motors, Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD), Costco, Culver’s, McDonald’s, Rasmussen College, and Taco Bell.

New events

More than 20 different special events have been planned for the 2010 season. Magic Waters is bringing back many old favorites, plus adding new special events.

For the 2010 special events calendar, visit: www.magicwaterswaterpark.com. Some highlights are:

Wet Wednesdays–every Wednesday, June 9-Aug. 18; open until 9 p.m.

Friday Family Fun Nights: June 11-Aug. 20

Special Entertainment June 11-July 23, 6-7:30 p.m. with Radio Disney

Tiki Time Parades–Join the mascots for regularly scheduled parades around the waterpark.

Rasmussen Day: Saturday, June 12–10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Fiesta Day: Sunday, July 11–10 a.m. -6 p.m.

Sun Safety Day: Saturday, July 17–10 a.m.-6 p.m.

For more information, call (815) 966-2442 or visit www.magicwaterswaterpark.com ^[1].