Splash Kingdom Waterpark

Splash Kingdom Waterpark (formerly known as Pharaoh's Lost Kingdom) was a water park, trampoline park, minigolf course, arcade and concert venue located in Redlands, California.[1][2] The 17-acre property was opened in 1996 by James Braswell, seeking to diversify from his family’s chain of senior care facilities. Attractions included an interior arcade, miniature golf, go-karts, bumper boats, laser tag, and water slides. The main building was topped by a pyramid and featured a giant pharaoh’s head looming over the entrance.[3]

Splash Kingdom Waterpark
Previously known as Pharaoh's Lost Kingdom
LocationRedlands, California
Coordinates34.06929°N 117.22749°W / 34.06929; -117.22749
StatusDefunct
OpenedJune 1996 (1996-06)
ClosedUnknown
ThemeEgyptian
Area20 acres (0.081 km2) (0.65 km²)

Over the years, many of the outdoor attractions closed during a series of ownership changes, code violations, and troubles with the city. It was renamed Splash Kingdom in 2006 as the focus shifted to the water park. The interior was transformed into a trampoline park in 2012. The owners, Dan Martinez, and Ryan Sauter, took over the property in 2017.[4] They had the pharaoh’s head, most of the Egyptian decorations, and attractions such as the miniature golf removed in 2018.[5][6] The city revoked their permit to operate but later restored it.[7]

In May 2020, a massive fire on the property caused $750,000 in damages. After inspection, the park’s license to operate was revoked on October 13, 2020. Soon after on October 16, 2020 there was another fire, followed by a third in February 2021.[8][9]

By 2021, the remaining buildings of Splash Kingdom were demolished.[10] There is a preliminary application to build a warehouse on the property but city officials are considering rezoning the site for residential use to meet state housing requirements.[10]

References
  1. "Water Parks: Pharaoh's Theme and Water Park – a Potted History". Blooloop. January 7, 2010. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  2. Summons, Trevor (February 23, 2014). "Renamed Redlands amusement park becomes family-friendly". The Sun. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  3. Schenden, Laurie (May 7, 1998). "Slipping Away From the Heat". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  4. Hernandez, Kristina (January 3, 2018). "Goodbye, Pharaoh? New owners of Splash Kingdom in Redlands have big plans for theme park". The Sun. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  5. Hernandez, Kristina (January 22, 2018). "Here's why Splash Kingdom in Redlands is losing its iconic pharaoh statue". Redlands Daily Facts. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  6. "Pharaoh's takes first step toward re-opening in summer". The Sun. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  7. Whitehead, Brian (February 6, 2019). "Owners of Splash Kingdom given second chance by Redlands leaders after code violations". Redlands Daily Facts. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  8. Bravo, Kristina (May 2, 2020). "Massive fire damages vacant Redlands water park Splash Kingdom". KTLA. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  9. Rokos, Brian (May 2, 2020). "Flames damage Splash Kingdom waterpark in Redlands". Press Enterprise. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  10. Iyer, Jennifer (July 9, 2021). "Demolition crews are tearing down Splash Kingdom waterpark". Redlands Daily Facts. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
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