Executive classroom honors area car dealer
July 1, 2008
Robert Edwin Crane Jr.
July 3, 2008
As the thermometer climbs, so does the need to “cool off.”
Tri-parish residents have options, as there are three water parks, each offering something different, within driving distance. Each park provides its own sense of uniqueness to customers.
Waterland USA, located on Louisiana Highway 311 in Houma, has served the Tri-parish area since it opened in 1984.
The park has seen new management and a few changes since opening.
Rick Diggs is currently into his second year as president of the water park. So far this summer, business has been good.
“We’ve definitely seen an increase,” Diggs said. “I guess people are looking for a way to cool off and have fun at the same time.”
The park contains a large children’s area called the Yellow Duck; a twin-speed slide known as the Sonic Chute; a tube slide called the Blue Runner; a lazy river; wave pool; game room; and an 18-hole mini-golf course.
There’s also a full-service concession stand and sweet shop.
As for the prices, children under four feet tall pay $15.95. Anyone over that height pays $19.95. Parents who just want to watch their kids play pay $9.95 (for grandparents, the cost is $5).
Diggs said season passes are $99.99 per person.
Group rates are also available.
The park is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will remain operational until Labor Day.
This year, Diggs said they have implemented a rain check policy. If the pools are shut down for an hour or more because of threatening weather, customers are charged half-price admission. If the park must close down for the day, customers are given a free day at the park.
The number of folks seeking refuge from the summer heat has been climbing, Diggs said.
“I don’t know if it’s the grandparent policy, the rain check policy or the fact that gas is so high people don’t want to travel, but something has worked,” he said. “We’ve sold more season passes this year, and we have tons of birthday parties everyday. This seems to be the birthday party place right now.”
Because of overcrowding, Diggs doesn’t book groups from New Orleans like he did in past years. “We had to cut all of that out,” he said. “We don’t like it to get too overcrowded in here.”
And relying on locals to support the business is a gamble that’s paid off.
“Whatever it is, I just hope it keeps bringing us the business,” he said.
In addition to Waterland USA, Baton Rouge’s Blue Bayou Waterpark/Dixie Landin’ offers another option for locals looking to get out of the area for a day.
The park – located less than two hours from Houma – offers 15 various waterslides. They include the world’s largest dark behemoth bowl (VooDoo), tornado slide (Azuka), racer (Racers), sled slide (Flying Pirogues) and in-line water slide (Conja) among others.
For those who don’t want to get wet, Blue Bayou’s sister park, Dixie Landin’, offers the Hot Shot, Ragin’ Cajun and the Splinter as well as a number of other rides to enjoy.
Admission to both parks is included in the ticket price. Anyone 48 inches or taller pays $34.95; the price is $27.95 for those under that height.
Seniors pay $27.95, while anyone under 35 inches tall is admitted into both parks free.
After 6 p.m., admission can only be bought to Dixie Landin’. The cost is $12.95 (48 inches and taller), $9.95 (under 48 inches) and $9.95 for seniors.
Blue Bayou is also known for its concerts every Saturday of the month. In July, Jason Michael Carroll (5th), Hello Goodbye (12th), The Lost Trailers/Fisher Stevenson/Jeremy McComb (19th) and Good Charlotte/Boys Like Girls/Metro Station/The Maine (26th) all are slated to perform.
The summer concert series wraps up Aug. 2 with an appearance by Vanessa Hudgens.
In July, Blue Bayou is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Dixie Landin’ is open those days from 2 to 6 p.m. The last day for both parks to remain open is Labor Day.
For those residents looking to get away, Gulf Islands WaterPark in Gulfport, Miss., touts itself as being the “largest water park on the coast.”
The park’s Web site lists nearly a dozen attractions, including the Gulf Coast’s first and only water roller coaster called the Horn Island Blaster. Children can also meet and greet several characters such as Cat B’lue, Gully, T. Kiln and Polly.
Located just over two hours away from Houma, the park is ideal for those looking for something different.
Ticket prices vary. A full day ticket for people 42 inches or taller is $27.95; under that height, tickets are $19.95.
Children ages 2 and under get in free.
After 3 p.m., tickets drop to $22.95 (42 inches or taller) and $14.95 (under 42 inches). Two-day passes are also available.
No matter which site families choose, Diggs said water parks provide a great way to “beat the heat.”
“It is definitely a good way to relax, cool off and hang out with the family at the same time,” he said. “I encourage it, especially with the high temperatures.”
