GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. — The water park at Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World was supposed to open in July on Grand Island.
That didn't happen, as the business owners' timeline failed to materialize. But after some delays, the grand opening will soon be here.
Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World announced that the water park will open to the public on Saturday, from noon to 7 p.m.
On the eve of its opening, 2 On Your Side found lifeguards who completed their training, as well as workers putting some of the attractions through a final test run.
"Everyone is excited to see the park come back to life," said Gary Fawks, the vice president for operations at the park.
Most, but not all, of the waterpark attractions that were once part of Fantasy Island will be up and running.
The new operators had hoped to have this going by July, but they say even opening this late in the season, for what could be only a few weekends before the weather turns cooler, provides a valuable dress rehearsal of sorts for the future.
"And all of this sets the stage for the opening next year on a much grander scale," said Fawks, referring to plans for reopening the rest of the amusement park, which shuttered after the season two years ago.
He added: "Our plan is to open in late spring of 2022 with a rides package, and we have plans to add some water attractions as well for next year. So if all goes smoothly and we get a good winter for work, we'll reopen with a pretty full rides package on that side of the park."
Guests will enjoy limited water park attractions, according to the park, which said tickets cost $14.99 for people who stand 3 feet and taller. People who are 35 inches or shorter will be allowed to enter for free with an accompanying adult.
Tickets must be purchased at the gate. Tickets cannot be sold online for now. Lockers are not available on-site, with the park citing supply issues.
The former Fantasy Island Amusement Park began hiring for jobs in July, when the company said the water park would open by month's end.
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