WIGGINS, MS (WLOX) -
Flint Creek Water Park is undergoing a major overhaul. It has been around since the 60s and hasn't seen much change for over 30 years, until now.
"This is not a renovation, it's a transformation," said Stewart Smith, who is over marketing and safety for the newly named Splash of Fun water park at Flint Creek.
The park has deep roots in the community, and Smith said that's something he hopes will continue.
"What better place to be [than] here at Flint Creek, where people have been bringing their families, you know, for decades," said Smith.
The last time the park saw any change was 1982. Smith said it's time to bring a new energy to the area that won't stop when summer ends.
"It's just going to be a facility that you can bring your children and your families year round," he said.
There will be a new steak and seafood restaurant open all year, along with a putt-putt course, and decorated gardens. But, the real transformation will be the water rides: six slides, a splash pad, and a lazy river will all be added to the hillside overlooking the lake. Gone will be the system of flowing lake water on the slides, replaced with a crystal clear chlorinated system. And there's something being built that will be a first for our area.
"We're going to introduce zip lining, not only to Flint Creek, but also to the state of Mississippi," said Smith.
The project was dreamed up by Russell Ryals. He said traveling gave him the inspiration to create a world-class attraction in Wiggins.
"I've always said, in the back of my mind, that we have a lake here that could do everything that I've seen around the country," said Ryals.
He teamed up with Hiram Boone Pat Harrison Waterway District to make his dreams become reality.
The final plans for the $5 million, five year project include a nine hole golf course, sports complex, marina, amphitheater and shooting range. The first phase of Splash of Fun is scheduled to open sometime in the beginning of June, weather permitting.
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Stewart Smith explains new water park features.
Aerial view of park plans
