Henderson residents learned on Monday that Cowabunga Bay, the city’s water‑park at 900 Galleria Drive, will not reopen for the 2027 summer season, ending a decade of local summer recreation. The decision, announced by the park’s ownership group, means the facility will cease operations while the property remains secured for future planning.
According to KTNV, the owners said the closure allows them to “better serve the Las Vegas community with focus on one park in the market” by concentrating resources on their sister location, Cowabunga Canyon, in Summerlin. The park has been open since 2014, providing families with a nearby venue for cooling off during the hot Nevada summers.
Longtime visitor Greco Arias expressed disappointment, telling KTNV, “Seeing it go is like the saddest thing” and noting that the park had become a “summertime tradition” for families living nearby. Arias added that the loss will limit entertainment options for local children and adults alike.
Vice president of operations Cade Vereen explained that after five years of operating both Nevada water parks under one brand, the company evaluated its operations and decided to consolidate. “As a group, we decided that streamlining the operation into one park truly was the best way to serve the market,” he said.
The closure will affect the park’s workforce. KTNV reported each location employs 21 year‑round staff members and about 500 seasonal workers. More than 70% of the Henderson staff are slated to transfer to Cowabunga Canyon, according to Vereen, who said the company is “proud to say over 70% of the staff that we have here is conveying over and will be a part of the Cowabunga team.”
Season‑pass holders for 2027 will be able to use their passes at Cowabunga Canyon, the owners said, and the Summerlin park will continue to operate with plans for new rides, infrastructure, events, and food offerings. “There’s a lot of potential for new ride packages and new infrastructure, new events and experiences, new food offerings,” Vereen noted.
While the Henderson property will be “maintained and secured,” no immediate redevelopment plans were disclosed. The park’s closure means families will now face a longer drive to reach the nearest Cowabunga location, a change that many locals, like Arias, view as a significant loss for the community.
What’s next: The ownership group has not announced any specific timeline for the Henderson site’s future use. Existing 2027 season passes remain valid at Cowabunga Canyon, and the park’s staff transition is expected to continue over the coming months. Residents seeking updates are encouraged to follow announcements from Cowabunga Vegas.
