Roaring Springs hopes to make a splash — with a major expansion, the biggest in park history.
The water park plans to expand onto the empty 12-acre lot to the east, which would increase the size of the park by 40% over the next decade – with the first part of the plan set to open in the summer of 2023.
Northwest-themed expansion
One of the new additions to the park is an interactive play structure with seven slides called Camp IdaH20. It features “iconic” symbols of the Gem State throughout.
“The most unique feature is the world’s first dumping potato bucket, which splashes 650 gallons of water onto fun-seekers below,” a Roaring Springs news release said.
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The expansion will also include the “ultimate river ride experience” called Class 5 Canyon. It’s a simulated wave that propels swimmers paddling on kickboards. Class 5 Canyon would be half as long and twice as wide as the current Endless River.
Critter Crossing is a forest-themed activity pool with “floating features” for children to balance across. There would also be basketball and other skill-based activities.
New dining options would also be a part of the massive expansion. The Geyser Grill & Bar would feature a menu with an Asian flair and offer items like rice bowls, pizza, and burgers. Alcoholic beverages include craft beers and huckleberry-infused cocktails. It’s the first time alcohol would be served at Roaring Springs.
“This expansion will make Roaring Springs one of the largest waterparks in the US, provide outstanding entertainment for families, and create jobs for both young adults and professionals,” said Roaring Springs CEO Pat Morandi.
Phasing
The expansion will roll out in seven phases and be complete in the next 10 to 15 years.
The first part of the multi-year expansion would open not this summer but next – summer of 2023.
According to the application submitted to the city, phase one would add the new activity pool, the play structure with a surrounding pool, the action river, 16 more cabanas, a restroom, an operations building, two mechanical buildings, the bar, and parking on Overland Rd.
The operations building would be 4,203 square feet. The application letter said it would be a building for employee office space, a break area with indoor and covered outdoor patio spaces, and a first aid station.
The new parking on Overland Rd. would add 213 stalls.
Phase two would bring new water slides that would “blend” with the first phase and existing park to make a “seamless experience” for guests.
Roaring Springs said launch dates of phases will be announced as the park’s attendance grows.
“I am excited to see the continued investment that will nearly double the summer fun at
Roaring Springs. They are a great community partner who has been committed to
providing safe entertainment for our families, but also job opportunities for our youth,”
Meridian Mayor Robert Simison said.
Latest expansion
Roaring Springs asked guests about expansion ideas in a 2017 survey that hinted at several options for the large empty lot next to the park. The park has expanded numerous times since it first opened in 1999. Its latest expansion added a new large waterslide that opened in 2020. Roaring Springs shares ownership with Wahooz, Pinz, and the Galaxy Event Center which have also added significant expansions in recent years.
If weather permits, Roaring Springs will open for this season May 7, 2022.
Roaring Springs will need design review and Certificate of Zoning Compliance approval from the city.
