Ocean Breeze Waterpark, Hampton Roads, Virginia, has been acquired by former Six Flags executives Kieran Burke and Gary Story.
Terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed. The new owners are planning a multi-year redevelopment programme including a multi-million dollar expansion for the 2011 season, details of which will be announced in early February.
Burke and Story, who respectively served as Six Flags’ chief executive officer and chief operating officer for more than 10 years, have remained active in the attractions industry by looking for new acquisitions and investment opportunities. In 2009, the pair acquired Nashville Shores, a waterpark, marina and RV (recreational vehicle) resort in Nashville, Tennessee and transforming the waterpark for the 2010 season.
“While exploring the opportunity to acquire Ocean Breeze Waterpark, we were impressed by the park and the region’s potential for growth,” says Burke. “By investing in this well-positioned waterpark, we can provide economic benefit for the community while delivering world-class entertainment for residents and visitors alike.”
Opened in 1974, Ocean Breeze Waterpark is the area’s only full-scale waterpark, offering 16 slides, a million gallon wave pool and Buccaneer Bay, a water activity area with 11 small slides and a lazy river for children. Restaurants, on-site catering and private cabana rentals are also provided on site.
