Deep Blue Water Park
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History and Description
The history of Deep Blue Water Park begins with a man. His name is Humphrey Baxter, a wealthy entrepreneur and owner of Baxter Parks and Co. Baxter's company started in the 1960's when he built his first small theme park after inheriting his family's millions. Called Playworld, it started out with a few small rides and activities but quickly grew in popularity and expanded in size with thrill rides and roller-coasters. Baxter's success allowed him open up several more Playworld parks over the years making a total of five across the country.
Deep Blue Water Park is Baxter's crown jewel however and is a modern technological marvel. After the destruction of Detroit by Dr. Destroyer, Baxter arrived with other major companies to discuss the Millennium City Project. He had always wanted to build a water park and the city of the future would be perfect place to house it. He spoke of an indoor park so grand in scale, a park that would bring joy to the people of Detroit, a place of laughter and delight. Baxter's wish was granted and he began work immediately, with the park making its grand opening in 2001 and still remaining popular to this day.
Deep Blue Water Park is housed within a 700,000 square foot dome with a height of 351 feet and is located on a man made extension of Belle Isle. The park itself has the maximum capacity of 5,500 visitors a day. The park is themed to look like an undersea environment. The roof the building is the one of big focal points with a holographic display of sea life swimming about, showing off the technology that is being used in this park. In addition to that are the highly sophisticated robotic mascots, kindly donated by Harmon Industries, these fun loving characters wander about the park entertaining both young and old. They are, Captain Sharptooth, a pirate shark, his first mate Wilbur Walrus and crew member Otis Otter. There is also Mindy the Mermaid who can be seen swimming around at Mermaid Cove.
Rides and Prices
There are a total of 14 rides and attractions which include but not limited to:
The Lagoon: The centrepiece of the park is the 30,000 square foot wave pool with a consistent one-metre swell. Guests can rent tube dinghies or bring their own and enjoy the waves.
The Whirlpool: A water slide where riders descend a steep drop into a round bowl. They then circle the outer area of the bowl before exiting down through the middle.
The Spout: A water slide that requires riders to sit in a 2 or 4 seater round tube. Riders drop from inside a tunnel out into the ride's main element shaped like a funnel on its side. Riders oscillate from one side to the other until they exit through the back of the funnel and into a splash pool.
Channel Racer: An eight lane timed mat racer slide. Riders reach speeds of up to 24 mph as they race head first down an 86-metre long track. With the help of sensors at the finish line, each slider receives their accurate placing of the race.
Flowrider: A surfing simulation ride that creates artificial waves called sheet waves at speeds between 20 mph to 30 mph. Riders stand on a flowboard and attempt to ride the waves.
Sharptooth's Shoals: A mini water park that is just for the younger crowd. The area is divided into two sections. One section is an Aqua Play structure featuring water sides and activities while the other is a series of shallow pools.
Siren's Spa and Sauna: Something a little more for the parents who want to relax away from the kids or those who want some quiet time is the Siren's Spa and Sauna. Massages, Saunas, Hot tubs, you can find all of it here for ages 13 and up.
Also dotted around the park are themed souvenir stalls and big brand retail shops and of course several food stands selling all manner of greasy food stuffs. But if you want a more "civilised" place to eat there is the Fisherman's Lodge Restaurant with an all you can eat buffet.
Admission Prices:
Adult: $56
Child (12 years and under): $30
Seniors and Students (Must hold valid Student/Senior ID): $32
Group Pass: $30 per person for a group over 10.
