A floating water park, similar to this one, will be set up on Minnedosa Beach this summer. (DISCOVER MINNEDOSA / HANDOUT)
The first floating water park in Manitoba will make a big splash this summer.
Minnedosa Beach will be home to the 100-person inflatable floating attraction when it debuts in June.
Minnedosa and Area Community Development Corp. says it’s working with a Calgary-based company to bring the water park to its community, roughly 2.5 hours west of Winnipeg.
“It’s an inflatable water park, like a floating obstacle course out on the water,” said Gerry Champagne, owner of Calgary’s Splish Splash Water Park.
“These parks are found in Canada and across the world, but there is none in the prairies at this time; to be the first and only water park in the province is an incredible opportunity for both Splish Splash and for the community of Minnedosa.”
Champagne approached Travel Manitoba with the idea in finding a suitable location, where it was then presented to Minnedosa’s economic development officer, Chantelle Parrott, who jumped at the idea.
The attraction will accomodate up to 100 people and be in the water by June, operating all summer until Labour Day. (DISCOVER MINNEDOSA / HANDOUT)
“Tourism is very important for our local economy, and the investment into our community is more than welcome,” said Parrott.
“This leverages the lake and really complements our existing tourism offering. It’s a fantastic way to draw people to town, hopefully, visitors will make the most of everything Minnedosa has to offer while they’re here.”
Several provincial and federal hurdles had to be cleared before the park was approved, which has now been given the green light to set up. The inflatables are being manufactured in the United Kingdom and will be shipped to Minnedosa in time for the summer opening.
Champagne said the business would be open daily during the summer, with regular hours from June to Labour Day. Mandatory life jackets are required and lifeguards will be on duty to ensure safety.
