An east London amusement park is further making itself the place to cool off on hot summer days.
East Park on Hamilton Rd. announced on Wednesday that it will break ground on a massive new wave pool this fall.
"We have been planning this addition for many years, have cleared land to prepare for it, and now it is slated to open in June, 2018," said Alon Shatil, managing partner and general manager at East Park. "Of all the suggestions we receive, ‘we want a wave pool’ has come up the most often.”
East Park is already known for its seven waterslides, including the 55 ft high bullet slide. It also features go-karts, mini-golf, batting cages, and rock climbing.
The addition of the wave pool is welcome news to the head of Tourism London John Winston who feels it will be a big tourist draw on hot summer days.
"This state-of-the-art attraction will undoubtedly entice visitors from across the region and province. Another great reason to experience London," said Winston.
The new wave pool will be 881-cubic-metres and comes with a cost estimate of $2-million to $3-million.
This is London's second stab at a wave pool. The first was built at Wally World, the south-end water park that closed its doors in 2005 after 21 years in business .
“Through the ebb and flow of water park trends, its time has come around again,” said Shatil. “And you can be sure this bigger, better evolution of an old Forest City favourite is going to make a splash.”