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World’s largest water playground opens in Roanoke
By David Alvey
Jun 30, 2011

Hawaiian Falls Roanoke opened Mega WaterWorld, the World’s largest water playground, on the first day of summer, June 21, 2011.

At noon, the Roanoke Fire Department posted the colors to kick off a festive ceremony that included Polynesian dancers and a ribbon cutting that concluded with a giant wall of water splashing down on Hawaiian Falls CEO David Busch; Mayor “Scooter” Gierisch, Mayor Pro Tem Holly Gray-McPherson; Denton County Commissioner Andy Eads; City Manager Jimmy Stathatos and City Councilmembers Melvin Smith and Kirby Smith.

“Mega WaterWorld is really a park within a park,” said David Busch, Hawaiian Falls CEO. “More than 46,000 individual parts came together from 20 different countries to create this unique attraction. We hope our waterpark will bring families and friends together here in Roanoke to create lasting memories. ”

The six-story interactive playground has more than a dozen slides, including a three-lane racer, a family raft ride, several body slides, a 500-gallon and 1,000-gallon dump buckets, numerous interactive pulleys, wheels and water features. In addition, the park offers a 16,000-square-foot wavepool, a lazy river with waterfalls, a water walkway and an interactive Tiki Man that engages guests, then surprises them with a variety of sprays and mists.

Roanoke Police Officer Luther Cosby was the first person down one of the slides to officially open Mega WaterWorld. On February 22, 2010 while off duty, Officer Cosby encountered an overturned SUV on I-635 with a woman trapped inside. Realizing the driver’s leg was pinned, Officer Cosby crawled into the burning vehicle to free her. Then, he climbed on top of the burning vehicle and pulled her to safety through the rear window. Hawaiian Falls honored Officer Cosby for his bravery by inviting him and his family to be part of the festivities.

Located at 290 West Byron Nelson Boulevard (Business 114), the $10 million waterpark is a joint venture between City of Roanoke and Hawaiian Falls. The city owns the park and Hawaiian Falls operates it under a long-term lease.

"I believe God puts these things in our hearts for a reason,” said Roanoke Mayor Carl E. "Scooter" Gierisch, Jr. “This park has already taken on a life of its own. We’re very excited about this partnership and what it means to our community."

Hawaiian Falls Roanoke employs about 175 people during the season. It will contribute an estimated $10 million annually to the local economy. The park also offers private cabanas for daily rental, corporate picnic and group areas, birthday party rooms and a variety of food and beverage options.

Hawaiian Falls Roanoke will host weekly “Dive-In” movies beginning Friday, July 15 with “Justin Bieber – Never Say Never.” Other films will include “Iron Man 2” July 22; “Kung Fu Panda” July 29; and “Tron Legacy” August 12.

Daily admission prices are $23.99 for adults; $16.99 seniors (60 years and older) and children under 48 inches tall. Children two and under are admitted free with a parent or guardian. Season passes are on sale at http://www.hfalls.com and are valid for daily admission to all four North Texas Hawaiian Falls waterparks.

Hawaiian Falls Roanoke’s regular operating schedule will be daily 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. through Labor Day. In addition to Roanoke, Hawaiian Falls operates waterparks in Garland, Mansfield, and The Colony, Texas. More info at http://www.hfalls.com/

Roanoke Fire Department displayed the Colors

A Touch of Polynesia dancers entertained

Hawaiian Falls and Roanoke officials cut the ribbon

Hawaiian Falls and Roanoke officials are engulfed in the biggest splash in Texas

Roanoke Mayor "Scooter" Gierisch, Hawaiian Falls CEO David Busch and Roanoke City Manager Jimmy Stathatos

Roanoke Police Officer Luther Cosby braves the first slide

Hawaiian Falls CEO David Busch; Roanoke Mayor “Scooter” Gierisch and Roanoke Police Officer Luther Cosby

Mayor Pro Tem Holly Gray-McPherson (center) wins the race down the Pineapple Express slide against (Left) Roanoke Mayor “Scooter” Gierisch and City Manager Jimmy Stathatos