Largest oceanfront, indoor waterpark to open in Atlantic City

Gabriela L. Laracca, Asbury Park Press
·2 min read

Showboat in Atlantic City broke ground on its most recent venture in family-friendly entertainment, the world's largest oceanfront, indoor water park.

The $100-million Island waterpark is being constructed by Philadelphia developer Bart Blatstein, adding to his list of non-casino attractions, like his 100,000-square-foot Lucky Snake arcade and sports bar.

The groundbreaking took place Jan. 12, and the waterpark is set to open in summer 2023 on the New Jersey Avenue beach block, right next to Showboat, according to spokesperson Lisa Johnson.

Renderings of the all-new ISLAND Waterpark in Atlantic City, set to open the summer of 2023.
Renderings of the all-new ISLAND Waterpark in Atlantic City, set to open the summer of 2023.

“We are incredibly excited to begin this next phase in our development,” said Blatstein in a news release. “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.”

Upon completion, the waterpark will be a year-round source of family entertainment, with a retractable glass-pane roof. The 103,000-square-foot space will feature water slides, pools, a lazy river, as well as food, beverage and retail outlets, lounge areas and party rooms.

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Atlantic City Mayor Mart Small, Assemblyman Don Guardian and Assemblywoman Claire Swift were among those who joined casino officials, labor heads and building trade leaders to take part in the groundbreaking.

“This is a great day for Atlantic City,” Small said in the 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!”

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Showboat Atlantic City begins construction on Island Waterpark