Henderson families react as Cowabunga Bay water park closes after 12 years, with operations moving to Summerlin

What happened

Cowabunga Bay, the Henderson water park, will not reopen in 2027 after 12 years of operation, KTNV reported. The park's owners plan to focus their operations on Cowabunga Canyon near Summerlin, which will stay open. Our earlier brief on the Henderson waterpark closure covered the announcement, and KTNV's latest report gathered reaction from residents and park leaders.

For many families in the area, the park had become a regular part of summer. KTNV spoke with a longtime visitor who said the closure removes a close-to-home option for both children and adults.

Why the owners are closing the Henderson park

Park leaders told KTNV the decision followed five years of running both Las Vegas-area water parks under one brand. After evaluating operations, the company chose to consolidate at Cowabunga Canyon.

"As a group, we decided that streamlining the operation into one park truly was the best way to serve the market," Cade Vereen, vice president of operations, told KTNV.

Plans for the Summerlin-area park

According to park leaders, putting operations into one location will let the company focus future investments and attractions at Cowabunga Canyon. Vereen described the possibility of new ride packages, new infrastructure, new events and experiences, and new food offerings there. He told KTNV the move allows the company to put more into that investment.

What it means for workers and pass holders

Staffing

Ownership told KTNV that each location has 21 year-round employees and about 500 seasonal workers. The company says more than 70% of the Henderson staff will move over to the Cowabunga Canyon operation.

Vereen told the station the company is proud that over 70% of the Henderson staff will become part of the team at the remaining park.

Season passes

Existing 2027 season passes will be honored at Cowabunga Canyon near Summerlin, KTNV reported. For Henderson families who want to keep their summer tradition, the station noted, the closure means a longer drive.

How residents are reacting

Henderson resident Greco Arias told KTNV he started going to Cowabunga Bay as a child and that it grew into a summer tradition. He described the appeal of living near the park. "Think about it, you buy a house here, you have a water park right in front of it," he said. "Isn't that the coolest thing?"

Concerns about fewer local options

Arias said the news came as a shock and that he worries families nearby will now have fewer options. "It's very limiting," he told KTNV, calling the park one of the biggest summer attractions for both kids and adults.

He also said the closure takes away a big entertainment option for younger people. Residents looking for other local family activities can follow ongoing coverage in our community section.

What happens to the property

Park leaders told KTNV there are currently no plans for the Henderson property. Cowabunga Canyon near Summerlin will remain the company's open Las Vegas-area water park.

What to watch next

• Any announcement about future use of the Henderson property, which park leaders say currently has no plans.
• Whether the company adds new rides, infrastructure, events or food offerings at Cowabunga Canyon, as park leaders described as possibilities.
• The move of more than 70% of Henderson staff to the Cowabunga Canyon operation.
• Use of existing 2027 season passes at Cowabunga Canyon, where the company says they will be honored.