Year-round Atlantic City waterpark opening pushed back to July 7
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (CBS) -- People are heading to the shore to celebrate the holiday weekend. Many families came down to Atlantic City this weekend for some fun in the sun, hitting the beach or walking the boardwalk.
But other families came for another reason: the grand opening of Island Waterpark at Showboat. But because of a delay that pushed back the opening until next Friday, July 7, they're stuck having to rethink their plans ahead of the holiday weekend.
"I graduated from 8th grade and this was supposed to be our trip, but yeah it kind of got a little ruined," Cherish Stewart-Cheatham said.
For 14-year-old Stewart-Cheatham and her cousins, their Fourth of July weekend trip was planned all around the new Island Waterpark at Showboat.
"When we got that news, we were like are 'you serious right now,'" Miyah Bailey Barmore said.
The new attraction spans 120,000 square feet including 11 slides, a surf simulator and a lazy river. Making it the largest indoor beachfront waterpark in the world.
But families only got to see the massive park from the outside after finding out it wouldn't open on Friday because its owner and developer says more work still needs to be done.
"Just fine-tuning everything," owner Bart Blatstein said. "It's going to be here for many decades to come and I just want to make sure everything is just right."
Other families like U'mar Ali's drove three hours from Harrisburg for the new attraction.
"We put a lot into this trip this weekend," Ali said. "Hopefully everything works out."
Those who bought tickets were given a full refund along with complimentary admission into the park for the future. But regardless of whether the park is open or not, families say they'll find their own ways to enjoy the holiday weekend.
"If you build memories, you can always live on those memories, and this is one of those memories that they're going to enjoy," Ali said.
Here is the full statement from the Island Waterpark at Showboat:
"You only have one chance to make a first impression. I've decided to open ISLAND Waterpark on July 7. This is the world's largest indoor beachfront waterpark and a destination that will last many decades so I want to ensure everything is perfect. We are so looking forward to sharing this whole new realm of family entertainment on the world famous Atlantic City Boardwalk. We can't wait for our guests-both kids and adults – to experience this paradise and enjoy it all year round."
—Bart Blatstein, Tower Investments CEO and Showboat Owner
Everyone who bought tickets for Friday was given a refund and complimentary tickets to the waterpark, along with credits to Showboat's arcade.
In the meantime, Visit Atlantic City says families can enjoy fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Friday right on the boardwalk.
