Albuquerque Waterpark Plans Progress as Investors Look to the North for a Site

It’s been about eight months since a Facebook page announcing a new waterpark in Albuquerque was created and caused a a bit of a frenzy. It’s clear that many Albuquerque residents and visitors want more entertainment options.

It was learned soon after that Rocky Mountain Fun Factory, the company behind the waterpark idea, was on the hunt for about 50 acres of land to develop the project.

The Beach Waterpark in Mason, Ohio, is an example of a large modern outdoor waterpark that could be built in Albuquerque.

A lot has happened since then, and the company’s Facebook page has provided snippets of what’s been going on behind the scenes.

Tara McSweeney, general manager of Rocky Mountain Fun Factory, told Business First Wednesday that the waterpark’s investors have been busy scouting locations, lining up vendors and touring other waterparks across the U.S.

She said investors went to Florida for a week last month to see other waterparks.

“There’s like a million water parks in Florida, so we met with people and they told us what’s been successful and what hasn’t, what rides to buy from vendors and which rides are most popular,” McSweeney said.

She said investors have also met with various vendors, as the company plans to have about 15 stores for clothing, novelty items and food.

Closer to home, the team has held two focus groups with community members, asking them which rides they’d like to see, and other amenities and highlights the park should include.

“The focus groups have been really good. We’re trying to include all of their ideas, or as much as we can,” McSweeney said.

She said they’re still seeking focus group participants, and asked that those interested should go to the company’s website.

Of course the big question is where the waterpark will be located. Initially, the group said it was looking for land on the Westside or in Rio Rancho.

One investor in the project, who preferred to remain unnamed, said the group has been looking at sites in north Albuquerque, as it would be more centrally located for those coming from Santa Fe to the waterpark.

By: Stephanie Guzman (Albuquerque Business First)

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Albuquerque Waterpark Plans Progress as Investors Look to the North for a Site

02.04.2016