With plans to make Tucson cooler, the Florida owners of Funtasticks Family Fun Park are adding new water features.
Pro Parks Management, based in Orlando, is building a play area with a splash pad and several bucket drops over slides and climbing bars at the park, 221 E. Wetmore Road, said Tim Smith, president of Grail Construction, which is doing the work.
It is being built where the old batting cages were located, that were largely unused.
He said next year Pro Parks plans interior renovations and more features at the park.
Called Cactus Springs, the new water station is expected to open by July 4 and feature cabanas, lounge chairs and food and beverage service, said Ted Watson, a partner with Pro Park.
The recent announcement that Breakers, Tucson’s only water park, has closed was an unexpected boon for the new concept.
“We like the Tucson market,” Watson said. “Now that the water park is being shut down, we figured we could add some water, excitement and splash.”
Computer rendering of the Cactus Springs water play attraction.
Funtasticks, a five-acre park that also features bumper boats, miniature golf, Go-Karts, arcades and laser tag, opened in 1994. It is just east of Tucson Mall.
“We like the geography,” Watson said, “and felt there was a lack of family entertainment options … this is just the start of ongoing improvement plans.
“We’re not going to end there.”
