If you’re excited to see what Wonder Oasis Waterpark will look like in Shreveport, you’ll have to wait a few extra days.
I am genuinely excited about Wonder Oasis opening in Shreveport. I have reasons to believe this waterpark will be a much-needed improvement from what we’ve had these past few years… I won’t give up too many details yet, but let’s say we have a great story with video coming next week.
For those unaware and who currently live under a rock, it was announced a couple of months ago that Splash Kingdom was no more, and the park was under immediate new ownership. The new owner is named Lee Hovis, who came to Shreveport from New Caney, TX, to bring the Ark-La-Tex it’s own Wonder Oasis Waterpark. Before coming to the SBC, Hovis was Big Rivers Waterpark and Adventures General Manager in New Caney Texas. Before joining Big Rivers, he was the Director of Recreation and Operation for the Tolomato Community Development District. He has been working in the waterpark industry since 1984. Simply put, if anyone can bring back the magic once found at our Shreveport waterpark, it’s Lee Hovis.
I haven’t met Lee in person yet, but I want to share a quick story from this week. I called Wonder Oasis during the week to try to set up an interview and video for next week. After maybe half a ring, a guy picked up and kindly answered, “Wonder Oasis Waterpark”. Excited to get through to someone so quickly, I began explaining to this person who I was and telling him about KSBC, and even pitched him on the idea of doing a video. After my rambling finished, I asked if the guy could put me in contact with someone who could give the interview a thumbs up or thumbs down. The man on the phone, who patiently listened to me go on and on, said, “Well, my name is Lee, and I’m the owner, what day can you come next week?”
The man is answering the phone calls! I knew right then and there that we were lucky to have him come to Shreveport to help revive our waterpark.
This week, Wonder Oasis announced a slight summer opening delay. The good news is we won’t have to wait long to enjoy Wonder Oasis, as their delay has pushed back opening until June 1st.
On Facebook, the waterpark states, “Wonder Oasis Waterpark, a highly anticipated summer attraction in Shreveport, Louisiana, regrets to announce the delay of its opening until June 1, 2024. Traditionally, the waterpark kicks off its season on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, but due to unexpected hurdles, this year’s opening has been postponed.” Hovis provided insight, saying, “When we embarked on this project in March of this year, we knew we had a tight timeline to get the waterpark ready for the summer season.” He continued, saying, “Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, everything has not fallen into place as anticipated. With over 40 years in the waterpark industry, I can confidently say that this project has been the most challenging one I’ve encountered.”
As a father of two little girls who will spend time at the park all summer, I really liked what Hovis said next. He emphasized to the community that the work is ongoing to expedite the park’s readiness while upholding the highest safety and quality standards. He says, “We are committed to ensuring Wonder Oasis Waterpark becomes a fun and safe facility that the community can take pride in.”
You can find their full announcement below.
