US$88m Epic Waters waterpark comes to Texas
by Tom Anstey | 12 Jan 2018
A major new waterpark in Grand Prairie, Texas, opens its doors to the public today (12 January), with the US$88m (€72.5m, £64.6m) project featuring a retractable roof to offer year-round use for the US state.
Called Epic Waters, the new waterpark has been designed by Wisconsin-based architecture and engineering firm Ramaker and Associates, with attractions supplied by WhiteWater West.
The retractable polycarbonate roof by Open Aire is a record breaker, making Epic Waters the largest indoor waterpark under a single custom curved retractable roof in the US. Its purpose is to save energy on hot days with reduced air conditioning, while simultaneously making the waterpark useable when the weather gets colder through the winter months.
Covering 80,000sq ft (7,400sq m), the indoor/outdoor attraction features 11 waterslides, including the first ever Boomerango and Constrictor combination waterslide, the tallest AquaLoop slide of its kind in the US, and a two-person aqua sphere. The waterpark also offers a FlowRider Surf Simulator, 10,000sq ft (929sq m) outdoor wave pool and the longest lazy river in Texas at 650ft (198m). Amenities include a retail store, 4,000sq ft (370sq m) arcade, food and drink outlets, a full service bar and cabanas.
The new attraction – operated by hospitality and waterpark management firm American Resort Management – opens a month behind schedule following construction delays.
“We are ecstatic to finally be able to open Epic Waters up to the public. So much has gone into this building. It’s been an incredible journey, and we know that this is only the beginning,” said Richard Coleman, vice president of Development and Operations for the
management company.
“We’ve taken every step to ensure that Epic Waters lives up to its name in every way, and we can’t wait to share that with the community, rain or shine, year-round.”
The waterpark, which is expected to draw more than 500,000 visitors a year, is the first step in the 696,000sq m (7.5 million sq ft) Epic Grand Central recreation center development, with lifestyle and recreation centre The Epic to open later in the year along with all accessible playground experience PlayGrand Adventures and an amphitheatre capable of seating 200 to 10,000 people depending on its configuration.
Epic Waters Texas Grand Prairie waterpark whitewater west Open Aire Ramaker and Associates Boomerango Constrictor US visitor attractions
The new attraction – operated by hospitality and waterpark management firm American Resort Management – opens a month behind schedule following construction delays
The retractable polycarbonate roof by Open Aire is a record breaker, making Epic Waters the largest indoor waterpark under a single custom curved retractable roof in the US
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A major new waterpark in Grand Prairie, Texas, opens its doors to the public today (12 January), with the US$88m (€72.5m, £64.6m) project featuring a retractable roof to offer year-round use for the US state. Called Epic Waters, the new waterpark has been designed by Wisconsin-based architecture and engineering firm Ramaker and Associates, with attractions supplied by WhiteWater West. The retractable polycarbonate roof by Open Aire is a record breaker,
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by Helen Andrews | 03 Jun 2026
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Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
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Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
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Miraval The Red Sea has opened on Shura Island in Saudi Arabia as part of The Red Sea Project. The development is the first Miraval-branded property outside the US. This site is the fourth Miraval resort in the world – following US-based properties in Arizona, Texas and Massachusetts. Hyatt bought Miraval from previous owners Steve Case and investor KSL in 2017 and has also started putting its Life in Balance
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Sæl Spa readies for launch in London: “a modern British sanctuary”
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David Geffen galleries open at LACMA
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New venue The Lands by Capella includes a longevity centre to complement sister hotel Capella Sydney
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World of Frozen has opened at Disney Adventure World in Disneyland Paris with new offerings across the entire park. The expansion almost doubles the size of Disneyland Paris, immersing guests in a life-size recreation of the Kingdom of Arendel. The World of Frozen features a Tangled -inspired attraction, 14 new dining locations and a large lake debuting a new night-time spectacular. It also features a daytime celebration, themed shopping, and
Pical Resort by Valamar reveals first Croatian spa under the ESPA brand
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The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has revealed plans to expand its presence in Egypt with the renovation and operation of two historic hotel properties and the brand’s first-ever luxury river cruise. In 2022, Mandarin Oriental announced it would open its first Egyptian property, Mandarin Oriental Shepheard in Cairo. The hotel is undergoing a comprehensive renovation and is due to open in 2027. Ownership and development The river cruise, Old Cataract
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4a Architekten shares details of wellness extension at Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa
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