Opening day for Vernon's summer water attraction has been dampened by red tape.
Splashdown Vernon was set to open for the season today, Friday, June 27, but the park said on its and social media pages that the opening has been delayed because "we are facing permitting delays."
"It is unfortunate to say that we currently do not have an update for the 2025 summer," wrote park management on its page. "We assure you that all work was diligently completed in anticipation of the summer."
Splashdown said on its website that a "certification hold has been enacted on many waterslides across B.C." A check of websites for parks in Salmon Arm, Cultus Lake, and Tsawwassen show no notices of delays or opening cancellations.
However, Bridal Falls Waterpark in the Fraser Valley says on its site that, "While not exactly the big news that we were hoping to announce today, we are pleased to let you know that the Bridal Falls Waterpark will be opening on Friday, June 27, with limited options available."
The park's Kids Splash Pad, the Kids slides, the Giant Hot Tub and the pool will open on Friday. There are no body slides that will be open.
"We are sorry that we can鈥檛 welcome you with a full opening with all our slides, but we are challenged with some government rules that we are working to resolve," wrote Bridal Falls Waterpark management on its . "...The Surf pool and spa will open later in 2025."
Bridal Falls Waterpark was the subject of an investigation from Technical Safety B.C. after a failure in the fibreglass on a slide July 14, 2024, resulted in several injuries, including a major leg injury to a child, aged 11.
Splashdown Vernon said it will provide updates for customers on its website.
"We appreciate everyone鈥檚 support as we face this challenging and disappointing time," said management.
The Morning Star has reached out to Splashdown management and Technical Safety B.C. for more information.
