New waterpark in southern Utah: fun for families or part of the water crisis?

HURRICANE, Utah — A waterpark under construction near Zion National Park is causing a bit of controversy. It’s a part of a larger Jellystone Park RV Resort, known for its Yogi Bear mascot.

Scott Nielson, the owner of the park, said that concerns are overblown, “Yeah, it’s the biggest waterpark in southern Utah that sounds pretty big and exciting but really it’s a water tower with four slides and they’re all run out, no swimming pools with the slides. And then we got a couple bodies of water and a few hot tubs.”

The park will consist of four slides and a water bucket but no pools, which Nielson said reduces the amount of water usage that critics might expect by a large margin.

Other efforts include fake grass and the installation of a deep well that allows them to pull a portion of their water from underground rather than from surface rivers and reservoirs.

Nielson said, “I feel like we’ve taken drastic measures to reduce the water usage from my resort.”

Nielson said the park has  already reserved 38% of its capacity, “and we haven’t put a single vertical in the air yet.”

In an email to KSL NewsRadio, Washington County Water Conservancy District said the park has received all the necessary permits.

The WCWCD also said that the local government is working with the park to protect underground water rights. And, the WCWCD said it appreciates the different efforts made to conserve water within the park.

The park is scheduled to open in July and you can check for updates on their social page.

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