Lake Dolores Waterpark in Newberry Springs, California (photograph via flickr)
Lake Dolores Waterpark is a now defunct waterpark on a 273 acres recreational area named Lake Dolores in Newberry Springs, California. Lake Dolores opened its doors in 1962 on a campground. It considered to be the first waterpark in the world by some. The park - located in the desert between Los Angeles and Las Vegas - became a popular destination when the owners added slides, swings, ziplines and a trapeze.
Initially, the park attracted local campers and motorcylce enthusiasts. But as the word got out and advertising on the commercial television people from around the whole country came to Lake Dolores. This resulted in the park most succesful period from the late 60’s to the mid 80’s. Soon after that, the popularity of the waterpark decreased and the park closed its doors for the first time in the late 80’s.
In 1990 the park was sold to a group of investors. They had big expectations for the park and millions of dollars were spent upgrading the slides and turning the park into more of a “modern day” water park with lavish rides and slides. The park was renamed to “Rock A Hoola”. It was pretty succesful but the waterpark filed for bankruptcy in 2001 because of a falling out between the investors.
The park was then sold again to another team of investors in 2008 who are planning to develop the area into a residential neighbourhood. Due to the current economy those plans haven’t really made concrete yet. In the meantime they sold the slides and other attraction to other parks. Today the park lies deserted and vandalized in uncertainty.
Suggested by Michelle
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