THUNDER BAY – After a successful first summer at Boulevard Lake, Splish Splash Water Park Thunder Bay closed a week early due to being short-staffed after lifeguards brought in from Manitoba had to return to their jobs.
“Because of that we ended up being short staffed and really couldn't open this week,” said Gerry Champagne, one of the owners.
“We could open at half capacity, but all it would do is cause frustration for everybody having to wait so long and I figure instead of frustrating everybody our last week, we ended on a bang, everybody got through, everybody was happy, so it's a really good, good summer, actually.”
Champagne says that most of the people that came out over the summer absolutely loved the experience on the park.
“There's always going to be that small percentage that you know, doesn't like everything, but the reason I know they loved it is we had some kids that were back, I'd say 10 to 15 times,” he said. “So, it was nice to see. The repeat business always tells you they enjoy it.”
Champagne, who was originally from Thunder Bay, says that he knows Boulevard Lake is a great place for the water park and is excited to see the area as busy as he, and many others, remember it.
“Once the Canadian Tire Park gets opened and the mini putt and the disc golf across the way here, you know, this is going to be a hopping area. It already is,” he said.
“And now we're just going to get that, that feeling that people had 20-25 years ago when they came down here and it was packed all the time, I heard from dozens of people saying, oh, it's just like when I grew up, just like when I was here before.”
Champagne says that Splish Splash Water Park Thunder Bay will need lifeguards again next summer and will even reimburse people for their lifeguard courses.
“So, if you work for us and stay through the whole summer, we'll pay you back for your courses that you take. Keep your receipts,” he said.
For those interested, contact Gerry at thunderbay@splishsplashwaterpark.com
