A South MS zoo will build a $10.5 million water park with 9 slides and more family fun
If you’re planning to visit Hattiesburg Zoo next summer, you may want to pack a swimsuit.
The popular South Mississippi zoo just off U.S. 49 will start construction on Serengeti Springs water park this month and is gearing for a summer 2023 opening.
“Expanding the Hattiesburg Zoo to include the Serengeti Springs water park is a natural fit,” said Rick Taylor, executive director of the Hattiesburg Convention Commission, which will build and manage the park. “This expansion will carry through the same look and feel of Africa that exists in our Zoo, and will combine the slides and sprays with rest and relaxation.”
The expansion will be on 3.5 acres of Kamper Park, which borders Hardy Street to the north, Park Avenue to the west and Gordon’s Creek to the east. The $10.5 million project will be funded by the Hattiesburg Convention Commission from earned revenues and the city’s special 2% restaurant tax.
“As a mother of three active children, and as the chair of the Hattiesburg Convention Commission Board, I am excited that we are bringing another first-class attraction to Hattiesburg,” said Jennifer Payne. “Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo will bring a unique offering – only available in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.”
The new water park will have family fun for all ages, including a swim-up pool and bar with adult beverages, a 150,000-gallon lazy river, water pad and slides of all sizes. Most of the park will be handicap accessible and the lazy river will include a zero-entry beach, which is accessible to guests of all mobility levels.
The Fusion Fortress water structure includes nine slides of varying heights, Some straight slides and several with twists and turns including the “Serengeti Swirl.”
There will be multiple water-play areas and two bucket dump stations, all in a design that highlights the animals and environment of Africa. Surrounding the Fusion Fortress will be an additional 19 spray toys.
Underneath the Fusion Fortress is the Life Floor, which provides a cushioned floor that is anti-microbial and has a zero-water level (meaning there is no standing water).
On the Life Floor around the perimeter of the Fusion Fortress are an additional 19 spray toys, allowing for access and enjoyment outside of the slide areas.
The water park will feature animal presentations and some tropical animals will call Serengeti Springs home.
Group pavilions, cabanas, food trucks and concession stands will surround the water features. Restrooms will feature lockers, showers and changing rooms.
A second phase with four additional water towers and slides is also in the works. Construction is expected to begin on phase two 2-4 years after the opening of phase 1 next summer.
Serengeti Springs will stay open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. If weather permits, the park will open weekends prior to Memorial Day and after Labor Day.
Ticket prices have not yet been determined, but will include options for day passes, two-day passes and annual passes. The passes will be good for entry into Serengeti Springs and the zoo.
For more information, visit hattiesburgzoo.com or follow the zoo’s Facebook page.
This story was originally published August 9, 2022 at 5:50 AM.
