High Contractor Bids Throw Cold Water On Splash-Down Upgrade

After last summer’s heat helped bring in bucks for a popular Spokane Valley water slide attraction, the owners had hoped to expand.

But Splash-Down Water Slide, in Valley Mission Park, recently shelved yearlong plans to add an inner-tube run, an activity pool and a hot tub.

“We had our heart’s desire to do it,” said manager Ruth Bleasner. But contractor bids came in higher than expected.

Co-owner Bill Bleasner said that Splash-Down had obtained building permits and planned for a $350,000 project. But the project costs were about $450,000.

Stockholders voted against pursuing the project at a meeting March 14.

The Bleasners hope to work on the expansion next fall.

They had planned to add an inner tube run that would lead to a receiving pool. That pool would lead to a new activity pool. Plans also included adding a larger hot tub.

Bill Bleasner said that they also wanted to add decorative natural rock waterfalls on the property’s west side.

The park hasn’t had a major renovation since it opened in 1983.

“We would just like to make it more attractive for a larger segment of people,” Bill Bleasner said.

Splash-Down operates from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.