Lake Dolores (Rock-A-Hoola) Waterpark

Lake Dolores is really three (or four) waterparks in one.

Bob and Dolores Byers built America's first waterpark back in the 60s, putting their land to a new use after trying some alfalfa farming. Lake Dolores became known for thrills and danger, drinking, hookups, and anything goes - almost an Action Park of the West. Slides were incredibly eye-catching along the I-15 for this family-run operation.

In the late 80s, Byers wanted to retire. He sold the park. It became Rock-a-Hoola Waterpark - America's first waterpark, now in the twentieth century. A modern set of slides were added, as well as a modern 90s retro-50s design. The park suffered from financial mishaps by its investors, as well as costly lawsuits from accidents; in addition, changing attitudes and water rights pressures made the park less feasible. After a short stint as "Discovery Waterpark", the park closed in 2004 for good.

In the current, abandoned state, the park is popular among urban explorers and skateboarders. Efforts have been made to restore the park, but they seem unlikely to succeed.

Listen, watch, or read at https://theabandonedcarousel.com/16 - it's The Abandoned Carousel.

Find complete show notes and references for this episode at https://theabandonedcarousel.com/16.

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Credits* Podcast cover background photo is by 4045 on freepik.com. Lake Dolores photo is from the Lake Dolores page on Facebook.* Theme music is from "Aerobatics in Slow Motion" by TeknoAXE.* Incidental music all by Kevin MacLeod / incompetech.com: "Last Kiss Goodnight", "Surf Shimmy", "Whiskey on the Mississippi", "Smoking Gun", and "Eternal Hope"

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