A HUGELY popular tourist attraction will return bigger and better after a buoyant first year saw them welcome more than 6,000 visitors.
Sblash Aqua Park in Penmaenmawr, Conwy, was launched last May and immediately captured the public’s imagination.
Owners James and Debbie McAllister – who transformed the seven-acre Graiglwyd Springs Fishery into an inflatable assault course complete with parking, a hot and cold drinks station and changing facilities – revealed plans to bring the park back with even more for families to enjoy this Spring.
Having been nominated for two Go North Wales Tourism Awards over the festive period they are confident new additions, including an adrenaline-fuelled figure of eight trampoline challenge, will complement the exhilarating Ninja Jump, Icon Run, Waverider and Mount Rainier, with its epic 3.8m high jump and slide.
James says their priority now will be recruiting lifeguards to join their seven-strong team – with training to take place in April – and increasing capacity to meet demand.
“The first six months of Sblash were quite incredible, the response was unbelievable with people travelling from all over the country to visit the attraction as it was so fresh and different for North Wales,” he said.
“This year we will be even better, with more staff, more facilities and even more fun elements for thrill-seekers to enjoy.”
With the focus primarily on health and safety and meeting all requirements set out by the Aqua Park Association (UK and Ireland), staff are qualified to Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) standards.
Sblash has also secured accreditation from the prestigious Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC), a national charity supporting educators, schools and organisations dedicated to ensuring more children and young people have opportunities for life-changing learning experiences.
“We have had a lot of interest from schools who want to give pupils a unique experience in a safe setting,” said James.
“And from businesses and corporate customers looking for team-building days out, parties for children and adults, and community groups – basically anyone wanting to have fun while keeping fit and getting active!”
Debbie added: “With Sblash generating revenue it enables us to give the local economy an even bigger boost, creating employment and providing holidaymakers, day-trippers, residents and the local tourism and hospitality sector with another high-quality USP.
“We will be looking to take on new staff ahead of May, and training them in preparation for this year’s season, so it’s going to be a busy few months.
“Thank you so much to everyone who visited us last year and gave us so much positive support – especially in Penmaenmawr – we hope you will come along and see us again soon because the new-look Sblash will be more thrilling than ever before.”
