Henderson Water Park With 20 Slides to Close After 12 Years

Cowabunga Bay, a 23-acre water park in Henderson, Nevada, will not reopen for the 2027 season. The facility, located five miles southeast of the Las Vegas Strip, is closing after 12 years of operation. The park’s announcement, posted to Facebook on Monday, described the move as a “difficult decision” made after “12 unforgettable years of making summer memories together.”

Cade Vereen, the park’s vice president of operations, told Fox 5 on Tuesday that the closure stems from a strategic shift to consolidate the company’s efforts. The Pyek Group, which operates the park, intends to focus its resources on Cowabunga Canyon, its sister property located in Summerlin, approximately 25 miles west of Henderson. Vereen stated that streamlining operations by moving focus to the Canyon location was the “best decision for the park.” He clarified that the move was not triggered by a specific external event, such as a sudden financial crisis or infrastructure failure, but rather by a desire to streamline the business model.

The closure has generated immediate frustration among local residents who view the Henderson location as a central hub for family recreation. Jim, a frequent visitor who often brings his grandson to the park, questioned the clarity of the “streamlining” rationale. “What does streamline mean?” he asked Fox 5, noting that while he could accept closure for economic reasons or a water shortage, the company needs to provide a clearer statement to the public.

Other locals expressed concern over the reduced options for children in the area. One guest told the outlet that taking away a dedicated space for kids makes it difficult for parents to find summer activities. “There’s not much for kids to do in this town as it is,” the visitor said, adding that the loss makes it tough for parents to plan their children’s days.

Greco Arias, a Henderson resident, shared similar sentiments in an interview with KTNV. She described the closure as the “saddest thing” and emphasized the park’s importance across age groups. “Cowabunga Bay was one of the biggest things in summer,” Arias said, noting its role for both children and adults. On social media, users criticized the decision, with one comment noting that families in Henderson were unlikely to drive to Summerlin and that the Henderson park was the “original” location.

The park featured more than 20 slides, pools, and other attractions. It was named the runner-up in USA Today’s 10Best ranking of outdoor water parks in 2025. As recently as Oct. 1, the park was promoting 2027 season passes on Facebook. The company stated that these passes will be honored at Cowabunga Canyon for the entire 2027 season.

The Pyek Group, the operator behind the closure, also manages Typhoon Texas water parks in Houston and Austin, as well as Daytona Lagoon in Florida. The Henderson site will remain open through the current season before shutting its doors ahead of the 2027 schedule.