What happened with Schlitterbahn?

The Tragic Death in Schlitterbahn The slide he was riding went gliding over, hitting a metal pole. Two ladies who were with Caleb In the raft were badly injured. The slide has been permanently shut down. Schlitterbahn settled Caleb's family with almost $20 million.



The Schlitterbahn waterpark empire underwent a massive downfall following a catastrophic incident in 2016 at their Kansas City location. A 10-year-old boy was killed on Verrückt, which was then the world's tallest waterslide, due to a design flaw that caused his raft to become airborne. Subsequent investigations revealed that the park had allegedly bypassed safety protocols and ignored warnings from consultants. This led to criminal charges (which were eventually dismissed on procedural grounds) and a massive $19.7 million legal settlement with the victim's family. The scandal and the resulting drop in attendance devastated the company’s finances. In 2019, the flagship Texas parks (New Braunfels and Galveston) were sold to Cedar Fair (the owners of Cedar Point and Knott's Berry Farm) for $261 million. The Kansas City park was permanently closed and eventually demolished, marking the end of the independent, family-owned era for one of the world's most famous waterpark brands.

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In 2018, the last operating season of the park, four attractions remained closed throughout the season after an audit by regulators found that each did not comply with the Kansas Amusement Ride Act. Demolition of Verrückt began in November 2018. The park did not open for the 2019 season.

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On May 1, 2018, IBC Bank took over ownership of the park at foreclosure auction. Schlitterbahn continued to operate it while a new owner was sought. The property was rebranded as Waves Resort Corpus Christi. After not operating during 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the park was closed.

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Cedar Fair signed a definitive agreement to acquire Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resort New Braunfels and Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston in 2019, agreeing to pay more than $260 million for the two properties.

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Schlitterbahn Sells New Braunfels, Galveston Water Parks In $261 Million Deal. Schlitterbahn said in a news release it sold a water park and resort in New Braunfels, Texas, and another property in Galveston, Texas, to Cedar Fair Entertainment Co.

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Those injuries include concussions, slipped spinal discs, neck pain, whiplash, bruising, broken toes, herniated spinal discs, jaw bone fractures, orbital bone fractures, lacerations, and others. In one case, a 15-year-old girl went temporarily blind after being on the slide, according to the indictment.

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Gentle swells, a rolling surf, and a maximum depth of four feet mean most of the family can enjoy The Beach Family Wave Pool.

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The Original Schlitterbahn: Home to the signature Schlitterbahn Castle, this section of the park uses spring-fed water from the Comal River. Nestled beneath a beautiful canopy of trees, this section of the park has eight tube chutes, seven kids' play areas, a wave pool, and swim-up bars with heated pools.

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Chris Ozimek, spokesman for Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Galveston, said 3.5 million gallons of water are used to fill the entire park. The park recaptures, filters and reuses 97 percent of that water. As for the remaining 3 percent, it leaves the park either on guests or through evaporation into the air.

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THE FALLS The Falls is the world's longest waterpark ride filled beginning to end with raging rapids, careening waterfalls, and giant waves. This 3,600 foot-long whitewater river ride gives guests the best seats in the house of the grand tour of Schlitterbahn East.

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The World's Best Waterpark, Schlitterbahn New Braunfels, provides a staggering variety of river rides, waterslides, and adventures from mild to wild. Resort is open for year-round fun.

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Noah's Ark is America's Largest Waterpark®, located in the Waterpark Capital of the World. Situated on 70 sprawling acres in the heart of Wisconsin Dells, Noah's Ark is the best place for family vacations.

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You are more than welcome to bring your own family picnic basket into the park, but you don't need to. If you do bring a picnic that requires a cooler, please make sure it adheres to our Cooler Guidelines. Alcohol and glass containers are prohibited.

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