Sylvan Lake's Wild Rapids Water Park will soon stop flowing

A much-loved water park on the shores of Sylvan Lake is about to turn off the taps.

The slides at Wild Rapids Water Park will be demolished when the park closes its doors permanently at the end of the season.

After a 34 year run, profits have dried up.

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Bear DevelopmentCorpsays costs associated with upgrades and upkeep of the aging facility are to blame for the shut-down. In order to complete the upgrades necessary to meet new health and safety codes, the site would have to shut down for an entire summer, and the loss of revenue would be too much.

"The response to the water slides closing is obviously a solemn one for us," said Sean McIntyre,the mayor of Sylvan Lake during an interview with CBC Radio's Edmonton AM.

"It's got a lot of fantastic memories not only for us,but for people across Alberta," saidMcIntyre.

"There will definitely be an impact. People come from all across Alberta to visit the water slides."

'Strategic acquisition'

The town is in the process ofpurchasing the 3.5 acre property for $4,995,000.Once demolished, the land will be redeveloped by the town.

The town also hopes to acquire 1.5 acres of adjacent land through an existing License of Occupation with the province.

"We see it as a strategic acquisition, securing a large tract of land on our lakeshore really is a once in a lifetime opportunity, "said McIntyre.

"We have moved forward to purchase that land to make sure it's developed in the community's best interest."

It'sthe end of an era but there is still plenty of time for one last slide.- Sean McIntyre

McIntyre says there is no set plan for the property, other than it will include public recreation space. He says extensive public consultations will shape their plans for the waterfront.

"We've heard time and time again that public access to the water is a priority for our residents, and that added public space along our lake is needed," saidMcIntyre.

"For the Town to stake a claim on prime lakeshore property, we're opening up a world of possibilities for our community."

The water park opened for its last hurrahWednesday morning.

"I am definitely one of those who enjoyed my summer times at the water slides, something I will hold near and dear to my heart," said McIntyre.

"It'sthe end of an era but there is still plenty of time for one last slide."