Splash Down ready for sunny days and large crowds

After cool spring, waterpark owner confident weather and business will heat up

Thu., June 24, 2010

By Lisa Leinberger lisal@spokesman.com (509) 459-5449

The first day of summer was a disappointment for many around the area, with heavy rains and colder temperatures. But for Geoff Kellogg, owner of Splash Down Family Waterpark, 11127 E. Mission Ave., the summer so far has been frustrating.

“It couldn’t be worse,” he said.

Kellogg said the park usually targets opening day for Memorial Day weekend, but business doesn’t usually take off until school lets out. During that last week of school, many school groups come to the park during the day and Kellogg said that is a good time to get his employees trained.

“It has definitely been a slow start to the season,” he said.

Kellogg said that he often tells his wife that June 15 seems to be the day summer weather comes to the area, even two years ago when it snowed one day in June. He said the general public doesn’t really show up to the park until we’ve had some consistently warm summer days, but that hasn’t happened yet this year. The temperature must be at least 70 degrees and it must be sunny for the park to be open. He said this has been one of the slower starts throughout the park’s 27-year history.

“Finally, I think that summer has arrived,” Kellogg said.

Although it’s been a slow start to summer, Kellogg has high hopes for the rest of the season. He said the park is expanding its concession stand with Dippin’ Dots and a build-your-own Slurpee stand. He said the focus this year has been on food and beverages since the economy is still unsteady, but he hopes for new attractions in the years to come. Last year, the park opened “Fastball,” a tube with a six-story freefall and a radar gun to check sliders’ speeds.

Tuesday night was the park’s first family night, which includes music – It’s called the H2-Ho-Down – and special admission prices of $8 a person from 4 to 8 p.m.

The first live concert at the park will be tonight with admission $8 per person from 4 to 8 p.m.

Kellogg is also hoping for larger attendances this summer, since, according to the Wild Waters’ website, that park in Coeur d’Alene will be closed for the 2010 season while it refurbishes its slides, makes renovations and starts new construction projects.

“We’re crossing our fingers,” Kellogg said.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.