ATLANTIC CITY — Jason Tell has lived in the resort for four decades, and despite numerous plans, he never thought he would see a waterpark in the city.
The city has a long history of unkept waterpark promises, like the one that was supposed to be built at the former Atlantic Club Casino Hotel in 2017.
But seeing the 120,000-square-foot Island Waterpark finally come to the city was well worth the prolonged wait for Tell.
“The waterpark is fantastic. We needed something like this in Atlantic City. This brings a family aspect to a gambling town,” said Tell, 43, as he walked through the waterpark’s preview event Thursday night. “I feel like I’m in a resort. It kind of feels out of place for Atlantic City, but it brings a fun element to A.C.”
Tell was one of the several hundred people who witnessed what Mayor Marty Small Sr. dubbed “a historic day” as Island Waterpark owner Bart Blatstein, along with local officials, used hedge clippers to cut a “ribbon” connected to two mermaid models’ wigs to open the $100 million park.
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The waterpark opens to the public June 30.
“Bart is bullish on the great city of Atlantic City,” said Small. “We’re extremely proud that we now have a new family entertainment destination facility here at Showboat with a waterpark, and we couldn’t be happier.”
Blatstein said the driving factor of opening Island Waterpark was because as a grandfather, nothing brought him more enjoyment than watching his granchildren play and have fun. Offering kids and adults a one-of-a-kind resort experience was his goal.
“Some thought this would never happen, some wondered why it should happen, like my kids,” said Blatstein, whose family was in attendance .
In 2015, Blatstein, the CEO of Tower Investments, purchased the shuttered Showboat casino from Stockton University, reopening it as a hotel the following year. He added an arcade, indoor go-kart racing, roller blading, the Terminal Convention Center where events can be held, and now, Island Waterpark.
Many congratulated Blatstein for his continuous efforts to better the city, including outgoing Stockton President Harvey Kesselman.
“He’s a man of his word. He’s a visionary. He’s bold,” said Kesselman. “He does not allow naysayers to get him down. He absolutely is a person of his word, and this is a testament to when people do not give up on their dreams.”
Several hundred people dressed in “island chic” attire toured the waterpark Thursday as models dressed as mermaids floated down the lazy river and male models in swimsuits danced around the facility.
There were cabanas and lounge chairs for people to relax in, as well as an outdoor lounge area, a DJ, dancers and yet more models covered head to toe in body paint.
“This is absolutely incredible,” said Pamela Fields, a lifelong Atlantic City resident who works for the city. “Not only as a resident, but as an adjunct professor for Stockton University for the past three decades, I feel the rebirth. I feel the opportunity to develop the city to no end. It’s amazing.”
Fields said despite its history of projects proposed with no outcome, the city and its residents never give up.
“If we fall down, we get back up. That’s our saying as a city: We never give up,” said Fields, who commended Blatstein for his continued efforts to revolutionize the city. “His passion and love for the city has benefited the city and has played a huge role in its economic development.”
Sara Demott, of Howell, Monmouth County, said the waterpark was something Atlantic City needed to bring other locals to the area.
“There are a lot of families that go to other waterparks, like Hershey Park or Dorney Park,” said Demott, who was there with her two boys, Wyatt, 3, Wayland, 1½, and her husband. “So far, it’s more fun, and it’s really accessible.”
Besides bringing in more tourists, Demott said the waterpark would also bring dozens of jobs to the city.
Brandon Dixon, president of Tower Investments, said the hiring process was something the team was most proud of, since they hired city and state residents. He noted more than 500 people work at the Showboat, which was a big improvement from nearly a decade ago when there were only a handful of people working at the shuttered property.
“I would rate it an 8,” said Demott, who said she enjoyed everything about the waterpark. “I can’t wait to come back and actually go in. We’re already wearing our bathing suits.”
Tickets for Island Waterpark range from $69 and up for “twilight admission” from 4 to 8 p.m.; $89 and up for daytime general admission; and $119 and up for all-access VIP admission, according to the waterpark’s website. Kids 3 and under are free.
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