The Cowabunga Bay water park, located in Henderson, Las Vegas, has announced that it will not reopen for the 2027 season. The management’s decision has come as a disappointment to many local families who have enjoyed its numerous attractions for over a decade.
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The announcement was made via social media on Monday, 26 October, where the park expressed gratitude towards its patrons, staff, and partners. “After 12 unforgettable years of making summer memories together, Cowabunga Bay will not reopen,” the post stated. This closure marks the end of an era for the 23-acre water park, which featured more than 20 slides, pools, and various attractions. In 2025, it was even recognised as a runner-up in USA Today’s 10 Best Outdoor Water Parks list.
Cade Vereen, the park’s Vice President for Operations, stated that the closure aims to “streamline operations.” He explained that the management will now focus on the Cowabunga Canyon location in Summerlin, which is a sister property located on the west side of Las Vegas. “Moving the operation and focusing at the Canyon location really was the best decision for the park,” Vereen remarked.
Local reactions to the closure have predominantly been one of sadness. Residents took to social media to voice their disappointment, with one Facebook user commenting, “This is devastating. I’m literally beyond upset about this. That was the only thing to do in the summer.” Such sentiments were echoed by others, who expressed concerns about the lack of family-friendly activities available in the area for the upcoming summer.
The Henderson location had previously enjoyed a reputation as a local favourite, contributing to summer fun with its wide range of water attractions. However, its early closure during the 2023 season due to a disruption by teenagers raised concerns about safety and supervision in the park. While Vereen dismissed financial issues or operational incidents as the cause of the park’s closure, patrons remain puzzled by the vague explanation of “streamlining.”
Regular guests of Cowabunga Bay have raised questions regarding the implications of this decision for the alternative location in Summerlin. Annie Morris, a local resident, expressed her concerns about potential issues such as parking and congestion at the Cowabunga Canyon site, stating, “We’re surrounded by houses all around here, and it does feel kind of random that there’s this big water park right in the middle.”
With Cowabunga Bay promoting season passes for the 2027 season up until the announcement, families are left with uncertainty. The park management has assured that these passes will be valid at the Cowabunga Canyon location throughout the summer. A FAQ section on the park’s website also mentioned that the Cowabunga Bay site would be maintained and secured as they evaluate future plans for the property.
Despite the Caowabunga Bay’s closure, it appears that other facilities operated by the Pyek Group will continue to welcome guests in Texas and Florida, with locations such as Typhoon Texas in Houston and Austin, and Daytona Lagoon in Florida still operational.
As of now, there are no updates about whether any rides or attractions from the closed Henderson park will be relocated to Cowabunga Canyon. The management has been contacted for further information, yet the future of the Henderson site remains uncertain. For residents of Las Vegas and surrounding areas, the loss of Cowabunga Bay emphasises the ongoing demand for family-friendly recreational spaces within their community.