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Tag: water park

  • Cal Expo says California Dreamin’ broke water park contract with missed payment

    Plans for a new water park at Cal Expo appear to be slip-sliding away.Water park fans have been dreaming for years of a return to the site of Sacramento’s former Raging Waters park, which closed in 2022 after 15 years of operation. (Previous coverage in the video above.)A new water park called Calibunga has been the brainchild of California Dreamin’ Entertainment executive Steven Dooner, who initially planned to open it in 2024 as part of a three-year plan for renovations. Dooner later said the park needed to be fully renovated and his company planned a target opening date for 2027. At one point, Chuck E. Cheese was said to be a partner on the project. But there were financial issues behind the scenes. California Dreamin’ Entertainment has been in violation of its lease agreement with more than $202,000 owed to Cal Expo, according to a letter included with a Cal Expo board packet last month. The letter, dated Jan. 16, said that California Dreamin’ Entertainment missed a final extension for paying up. It warned that the lease agreement would be voided on Feb. 2 and Cal Expo would take possession of the water park on Feb. 3. Cal Expo said in a statement that, as of Tuesday, California Dreamin’ Entertainment was in breach of its contractual obligations. This came after it first sent a notice to the company on Oct. 31, 2025, about an unresolved past-due balance. An initial deadline to pay was Dec. 4 and then extended to Dec. 18. Cal Expo said its Long-Range Planning Committee denied another request for an extension on Dec. 11. “Cal Expo looks forward to exploring partnerships and new opportunities for the water park that align with our long-term vision and operational goals that maximize the site’s potential,” Cal Expo said. KCRA 3 also reached out to Dooner for comment. He acknowledged that Cal Expo had terminated the lease. “We don’t believe it’s appropriate to litigate business disputes in the media, but we acknowledge the termination and are focused on addressing matters through the appropriate channels,” he said. Dooner is also the head of another company called California Dreamin’ Presents. The company’s website says it is an official licensing partner of the X Games, which are slated to take place at Cal Expo this summer. A Cal Expo spokesperson said that X Games are “its own entity” and are still scheduled to take place from June 26-28.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

    Plans for a new water park at Cal Expo appear to be slip-sliding away.

    Water park fans have been dreaming for years of a return to the site of Sacramento’s former Raging Waters park, which closed in 2022 after 15 years of operation.

    (Previous coverage in the video above.)

    A new water park called Calibunga has been the brainchild of California Dreamin’ Entertainment executive Steven Dooner, who initially planned to open it in 2024 as part of a three-year plan for renovations. Dooner later said the park needed to be fully renovated and his company planned a target opening date for 2027. At one point, Chuck E. Cheese was said to be a partner on the project.

    But there were financial issues behind the scenes. California Dreamin’ Entertainment has been in violation of its lease agreement with more than $202,000 owed to Cal Expo, according to a letter included with a Cal Expo board packet last month.

    The letter, dated Jan. 16, said that California Dreamin’ Entertainment missed a final extension for paying up. It warned that the lease agreement would be voided on Feb. 2 and Cal Expo would take possession of the water park on Feb. 3.

    Cal Expo said in a statement that, as of Tuesday, California Dreamin’ Entertainment was in breach of its contractual obligations.

    This came after it first sent a notice to the company on Oct. 31, 2025, about an unresolved past-due balance. An initial deadline to pay was Dec. 4 and then extended to Dec. 18. Cal Expo said its Long-Range Planning Committee denied another request for an extension on Dec. 11.

    “Cal Expo looks forward to exploring partnerships and new opportunities for the water park that align with our long-term vision and operational goals that maximize the site’s potential,” Cal Expo said.

    KCRA 3 also reached out to Dooner for comment. He acknowledged that Cal Expo had terminated the lease.

    “We don’t believe it’s appropriate to litigate business disputes in the media, but we acknowledge the termination and are focused on addressing matters through the appropriate channels,” he said.

    Dooner is also the head of another company called California Dreamin’ Presents. The company’s website says it is an official licensing partner of the X Games, which are slated to take place at Cal Expo this summer.

    A Cal Expo spokesperson said that X Games are “its own entity” and are still scheduled to take place from June 26-28.

    See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

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  • National Landing hosts ‘Fridays at the Fountain’ for final time of the summer in Crystal City – WTOP News

    National Landing hosts ‘Fridays at the Fountain’ for final time of the summer in Crystal City – WTOP News

    National Landing hosts this summer’s final “Fridays at the Fountain” from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday at the Water Park in Crystal City, Virginia.

    WTOP’s Jason Fraley previews Fridays at the Fountain in Crystal City (Part 1)

    Are you looking for a fun and relaxing way to unwind in the evening after a hard week at work?

    National Landing hosts this summer’s final “Fridays at the Fountain” from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday at the Water Park at 1601 Crystal Drive in Crystal City, Virginia.

    “‘Fridays at the Fountain’ is a long-standing tradition in National Landing, but we’re coming up on our one-year anniversary this fall of a re-imagined Water Park,” National Landing BID president and executive director Tracy Sayegh Gabriel told WTOP.

    “The re-imagined Water Park opened in October of 2023. It had always been a wonderful community park space, but the new Water Park has a dozen eateries, a great landscape, it’s really an oasis in a city setting.”

    The event has featured a variety of genres so far this summer, including jazz and funk with Clarence Ward III & Dat Feel Good, salsa with Max Rosado and the 7th Street Band, blues with Carly Harvey, R&B with Deidra Love, Latin funk with Bongo District, bluegrass with Moose Jaw Bluegrass, and the soul and R&B stylings of Bryan Lee.

    This Friday’s final summer event features D.C. go-go band Mambo Sauce, aptly named after the city’s own beloved condiment, performing two live sets with a brief intermission as a DJ keeps the music going in between.

    “Bring a blanket or a chair,” Gabriel said. “This is an event for all ages to enjoy great live music and fabulous food.”

    Indeed, if you work up an appetite dancing, you can also grab a bite from the unique outdoor food hall.

    “We have nearly a dozen eateries, most of which are outdoor concessions,” Gabriel said. “Water Park features Brij Coffee, Bubbie’s Plant Burgers, Cracked Eggery, Crush Pizza, Dolci Gelati, Falafel Inc., PhoWheels, Queen Mother’s Kitchen, Tiki Thai and Water Bar, [which is] perched on top of Water Park’s fountain.”

    After the event, feel free to visit the other cool restaurants and entertainment options nearby.

    “Water Park is in the heart of National Landing along Crystal Drive in a stretch that is fast-transforming with some of the most exciting businesses in the DMV,” Gabriel said. “We’ve got an Alamo Cinema Drafthouse, as well as Mah-Ze-Dahr, great tacos at Tacombi, we also have a very new concept by Peter Chang that’s NiHao. … Of course, if you need ice cream we’ve got Van Leeuwen that just opened up around the corner from Water Park.”

    The Water Park is located just a block from the Crystal City Metro station.

    Find more information here.

    WTOP’s Jason Fraley previews Fridays at the Fountain in Crystal City (Part 2)

    Listen to our full conversation here.

    Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

    © 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Jason Fraley

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  • Popular Charlotte pools, water parks and lakes to cool off at this summer

    Popular Charlotte pools, water parks and lakes to cool off at this summer

    Carrigan Farms offers open swim, strawberry picking, fishing and farm-to-table dining.

    Carrigan Farms offers open swim, strawberry picking, fishing and farm-to-table dining.

    Carrigan Farms

    Another Carolina summer is here, and there’s no better way to enjoy the season than with a dip in the water.

    Charlotte may not be on the Carolina coast, but there are still several spots around the city to swim and beat the heat this season.

    From public pools and water parks to lakes and public beaches, here’s a guide to some popular places where you soak up the sun in the area:

    Pools and water parks

    Carolina Harbor Waterpark

    Location: 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273

    Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

    Cost: $39.99+ (included with admission to Carowinds)

    Ride water slides, chill in a wave pool and more at Carolina Harbor. Along with multiple high-speed water slides, Carowinds’ water park also has play structures, a kids’ area and a lazy river.

    Carolina Harbor, a 26-acre waterpark, features a variety of water slides, wave pools and more.
    Carolina Harbor, a 26-acre waterpark, features a variety of water slides, wave pools and more. Carowinds

    Cordelia Pool

    Location: Cordelia Park, 2100 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205

    Hours: 12-6 p.m.

    Cost: $2

    Cordelia Pool, a 50-yard pool which also has a waterslide, is open for swim sessions from 12-2:30 p.m. and 3-5:30 p.m. It’s only open to swimmers on weekends until June 10, but will then be open Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

    Double Oaks Family Aquatic Center

    Location: 2014 Statesville Ave, Charlotte, NC 28206

    Hours: 12-6 p.m.

    Cost: $2

    Double Oaks Family Aquatic Center, which has a 25-yard pool and a slide, is located in North Charlotte. It is temporarily open on weekends with swim sessions from 12-2:30 p.m. and 3-5:30 p.m, until June 11, when guests will then be able to stop by on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

    Eastway Regional Recreation Center

    Location: 3150 Eastway Park Drive, Charlotte, NC 28213

    Hours: Leisure pool open Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; 4:30-8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 1-6 p.m.

    Cost: $8+ for county residents and $10+ non-residents. Free for infants.

    Among the many amenities at Eastway Regional Recreation Center is a waterslide and pool open every day for guests. Aside from splashing around for fun, swimmers can also practice laps and take water aerobics classes.

    Great Wolf Lodge

    Location: 10175 Weddington Rd, Concord, NC 28027

    Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

    Cost: $41.99+

    Great Wolf Lodge, a family-friendly resort in Concord, has several waterslides, pools, games and other attractions for guests. Whether you want to have a quick dip or a longer trip, the indoor water park offers half day passes and full day passes for swimmers.

    Marion Diehl Recreation Center

    Location: 2219 Tyvola Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210

    Hours: Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.- 1 p.m., 5-8:30 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sunday 1-4:30 p.m.

    Cost: $8+ for county residents and $10+ non-residents. Free for infants.

    Along with a gymnasium and fitness area, Marion Diehl Recreation Center also has an indoor pool to cool off and hang out in. Pool times vary, but it is open to the public everyday.

    Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center

    Location: 800 E M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28202

    Hours: Monday-Thursday, 5:30 a.m.- 9:30 p.m.; Friday 5:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-6 p.m.

    Cost: $8+ for county residents and $10+ non-residents. Free for infants.

    The Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center has a 50-meter competition pool, a 25-yard therapeutic pool and hot tub. Located in uptown, the indoor pool also offers swim lessons year-round.

    Northern Regional Recreation Center

    Location: 18121 Old Statesville Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031

    Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 4-8 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m.-12 p.m., 4-8 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 1-6 p.m.

    Cost: $8+ for county residents and $10+ non-residents. Free for infants.

    Like many other county public pools, Northern Regional Recreation Center has a swimming pool for leisure swimming and lap swimming. Guests can also sign up for swim lessons and water aerobics, too.

    Ray’s Splash Planet

    Location: 215 N Sycamore St, Charlotte, NC 28202

    Hours: Monday, 4-7:30 p.m.; Tuesday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Wednesday, 4-7:30 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Friday, 4 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 1-6 p.m.

    Cost: $8+ for county residents and $10+ non-residents. Free for infants.

    Ray’s Splash Planet is an indoor water park at Irwin Creek Academic Center. The uptown swimming spot has a three story water slide, a lazy river, an area for water sports and more.

    Lakes and public beaches:

    Cane Creek Park

    Location: 5213 Harkey Rd, Waxhaw, NC 28173

    Hours: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Summer season hours are 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

    Cost: Free

    Cane Creek Park, located in Waxhaw, is made up of 1,300 acres of woodlands next to a 300-acre lake. During the summer season, you can go swimming, boating, fishing and more at the family-friendly spot in Union County.

    Lake Norman State Park

    Location: 759 State Park Road, Troutman, NC 28166

    Hours: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. (May-August)

    Cost:Free

    From swimming and paddling to fishing and boating, Lake Norman State Park has a lot to do if you want to get out on the water. It’s free to get into the park, but there is a cost for boat rentals and swim passes.

    The Quarry at Carrigan Farms

    Location: 1213 Oak Ridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville NC 28115

    Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; 3:45-sunset

    Cost: $20

    Another Lake Norman summer hot spot is the Quarry at Carrigan Farms in Mooresville. During the summer season, you can take a dip in the deep, natural quarry and go fishing at the ponds onsite.

    Reservations are now available for open swim at the Quarry at Carrigan Farms.
    Reservations are now available for open swim at the Quarry at Carrigan Farms. Carrigan Farms

    Ramsey Creek Beach

    Location: 18441 Nantz Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031

    Hours: Wednesday-Sunday: 12-6 p.m.

    Cost: Varies. Entry fees range from $0-$15

    Ramsey Creek Beach is a 46-acre waterfront spot about 20 miles outside of Charlotte. The Lake Norman park also has a playground, picnic shelter, trails, fishing pier and more.

    Ramsey Creek Park near Cornelius in northern Mecklenburg County. Cornelius grew by 26% over the past decade, growth that led town commissioners to vote Dec. 20 to pause approval of large-scale apartment construction.
    Ramsey Creek Park near Cornelius in northern Mecklenburg County. Cornelius grew by 26% over the past decade, growth that led town commissioners to vote Dec. 20 to pause approval of large-scale apartment construction. John D. Simmons jsimmons@charlotteobserver.com

    Related stories from Charlotte Observer

    Chyna Blackmon is a service journalism reporter for The Charlotte Observer. A native of the Carolinas, she grew up in Columbia, SC, and graduated from Queens University of Charlotte. She’s also worked in local television news in Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, VA.
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    Chyna Blackmon

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