Atlantic City is on its way to becoming a family destination that can be enjoyed during both the summer and cooler months as well. ISLAND Waterpark at Showboat will be the largest indoor/outdoor beachfront waterpark in the world when it opens on the New Jersey Avenue beach block next to the Showboat Hotel at 801 Boardwalk. Not only will the facility include a waterpark, but also party rooms, retail, dining options, spa offerings, a lounge, and other amenities for everyone in the family to enjoy. Philadelphia-based developer Bart Blatstein of Tower Investments, who owns Atlantic City’s Showboat Resort non-gambling hotel, is hoping the venue will be ready to open its doors for Memorial Day weekend of 2023.
“It’s a great project because Atlantic City is lacking family amenities. There are 25 million visitors each year and an extremely limited amount of entertainment options for families. There will be a swath of people added to that roster with this huge indoor water park,” Blatstein told What Now Philadelphia. “I’m thrilled to be a part of the rebirth of Atlantic City as a family resort and family destination.”
It will be 85 degrees all year round underneath ISLAND Waterpark’s retractable glass roof, which houses 103,000 sq. ft. of water slides, pools, a 10,300 sq. foot splash pad, and a lazy river. You can make your afternoon a competitive one with side-by-side slides for racing, as well as FlowRider surfboard simulating machines. ISLAND Waterpark will also boast an indoor boardwalk with food, beverage, and game options, as well as zip lines and a gravity coaster. Adults will be able to enjoy a lounge area with a bar and spa facilities for treatments like foot massages and manicures.
“We are incredibly excited to begin this next phase in our development,” said Blatstein. “Atlantic City has a long and rich history as a premier tourist destination. Showboat is committed to bringing non-gaming, family-friendly entertainment back to Atlantic City, and the waterpark is one more piece to that puzzle.”
Building costs are projected to be around $100 million. The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority approved the project for a tax incentive to make it eligible for up to $2.5 million in sales tax rebates for 20 years. Tower Investments is also able to take advantage of tax breaks on construction materials for their project, according to The Press of Atlantic City.
“This is a great day for Atlantic City,” said Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small said in a press release. “Investing in our community through growth will bring jobs and economic recovery to our area. We have lacked family entertainment, and this waterpark is the catalyst to draw more families to our great city and give families who live here something great and fun to do!”
Learn more at showboathotelac.com.
