June 2, 2006

Make the 2006 summer a splash with a visit to Raging Waters

Evergreen's Raging Waters, billed as the largest water park in Northern California, opens daily on June 9. The park has been open on weekends since May 13.

The water park, located in Lake Cunningham Regional Park, provides water for the timid, for thrill seekers and for everyone in between. It has seven stupendous water slides complete with splashy twists, turns and drops as well as plunging waterfalls.

For smaller folks or those looking for a tamer day of fun, there's an activity pool with interactive water play and the Lazy River, which is a relaxing trip through waterfalls and streams. For the more active, there's a wave pool as well as Pirate's Cover with nets to climb and water cannons to shoot. Wacky Water Works is designed for the younger crowd with squirting water, wheels to crank and ropes to tug: Anyone over 4-feet tall must be accompanied by a child. In addition, those looking for mild thrills can take Slide Creek, where you slide down a waterfall into a slow moving creek or an inner tube that will wind your way down a small river.

On June 10 and 11, the Wonka Mobile will visit the park with samples of Wonka candy as well as an interactive Candy Crane Game with chances to win prizes, a Wonkavision video monitor and other fun playthings.

On June 17, the park will hold its sixth annual Girl Scout Family Fun Day. There will be a special reserved picnic area for the day with a full service BBQ lunch. Special scout-only activities are available prior to the park opening. Call (408) 223-3951 for more details.

The water park offers group rates for parties of 15 or more. Tickets are $17 per person. Reservations for pre-purchased tickets must be made and paid for two weeks in advance and are non-refundable. Otherwise, reservations should be made three days prior to the event. Those wishing extras for group packages, such as a hotdog, hamburger or pizza lunches and/or unlimited soft drinks can purchase these on the day of the visit. The lunch package is $6 per person. Unlimited soft drinks are $3.25 each. The park also offers catered picnics for corporate parties.

Raging Waters offers birthday packages that include all-day admission and unlimited use of all water attractions, lunch for party guests and an unlimited soda wristband for $25 per person.

The package requires a 10-person minimum and a $50 deposit. Birthday extras, priced separately include tube rental, arcade tokens and a Bears 2 Go package where the kids make special bears at the park. Cakes can be ordered through the park or brought in.

Operating hours vary, but the park is open weekends through Sept. 17. It's also open daily from June 9 through Aug. 18, including Labor Day. Season passes are available for $36.99 each when you purchase four or more through June 18. Those buying by that day will also receive a coupon book with in-park and local discounts including a Bring a Friend for Free coupon. Season tickets can be ordered through the park's Group Sales Office at (408) 223-3951 or on the Internet at www.rwsplash.com.

Raging Waters is located near the intersection of Tully Road and Capital Expressway, just behind Beshoff Motors.