“Whatever you know about Schlitterbahn, whatever you know about the past — look at us in a different way.”
Nearly one year since Schlitterbahn Waterpark was sold at auction to a new owner, the Padre Island attraction has a new name and a new vision.
The destination is now called Waves Resort Corpus Christi featuring Schlitterbahn Waterpark. It was officially rebranded earlier this month and will soon invite the community to check out some of the upgrades for free.
“We invested more than $8 million in renovating the property,” said resort spokesperson Lisa Marie Barocas. “It’s an all-in-one entertainment destination for folks.”
Visitors will be able to enjoy some of the new entertainment along with the familiar water features. That includes the new 42-foot outdoor movie theater with a swim-up bar.
“When we fill up the water park with water, which is going to happen any day now, then you get to float around in your inner tube and watch a movie at the same time. And how cool is that? You can’t do that anywhere else,” Barocas described.
Then, there are new features that will cater to the family, as a whole. They include a dog park, a putting green and driving range, and a renovated restaurant and bar now called Eats Epicurea. There are also event spaces that can be used by businesses and residents alike.
Barocas says there are more upgrades to come. A zip line, ropes course and rock climbing wall will be built where the defunct slide, The Plunge, now stands. There is also a new gaming lounge and e-sports training facility coming soon.
“We’re just pumping more and more money into this facility. We’re not going anywhere. We want this to be a place where you can come back, become a member and just have a good time. Bring your family and your friends.”
The public is invited to the “Islander Party” at Waves Resort Corpus Christi on this Friday, April 26. There will be free admission and parking from 5-8 p.m. During those hours, visitors can enjoy Reef’s Swim-Up Bar and Cabanas, Torrent River, Lil’Skipper Kid’s Zone, and the Bahn and Bay Blaster rides. There will be live entertainment featuring the band Mothership from 7-10 p.m.
There will be a soft opening on Saturday, April 27. As part of the festivities, Waves Resort Corpus Christi gave away 200 tickets to Corpus Christi foster families for Foster Family Splash Day.
Ten percent of the food and beverage sales on Friday and Saturday will go to benefit the Riley Dog Park.
