New Island surfaces at Goodrington Sands with the opening of massive pirate themed waterplay structure
Shipwreck Island welcomes first visitors – as Splashdown Quaywest’s latest attraction sallies forth!
The Bank Holiday weekend allowed a gentle toe in the water for staff and visitors as the latest feature to be added to the perennial favourite waterpark attraction, Shipwreck Island aquaplay opened to eager visitors for the first time. One young raider plunging straight in with Dad in hot pursuit saying: “He’s been psyched about this for ages.”
Shipwreck Island, a complete mini-waterpark within the waterpark, has seven slides from the gentle slopes of the Jolly Roger Racer to a winding wilder ride of the Parrots’ Plunge. Gallons of water gushes from a giant tipping bucket, Cannon Falls, onto unsuspecting buccaneers below, to much delight, screaming and laughter. Paddling area, sprays, squirts and deluges add up to a whole lot of splashy swashbuckling fun for the whole crew; especially designed with smaller shipmates in mind. The much-expanded waterpark now features a huge sunbathing terraces, new waterpark shop and food concession as well as all the original slides and last year’s addition, head first, three-lane racer slide – 3 Fall, now a firm favourite with visitors.
Alan Richmond, Lemur Attractions Group’s, Managing Director says:
“This weekend was a good test for us, with three full days of operation it gave us a proper chance to have a live run out of the aquaplay and for the new team members to get used to their roles. We have also invested in a brand new ticketing platform from Exeter based, Digitickets, so there was lots to learn right across the operation. More sunshine would have been very welcome but all in all we were delighted with how everything went, and how it looks. We’ve had some great comments as well as some constructive feedback which we will be reviewing. We are all set for the warmer weather, which we hope is just around the corner and many more visitors as the season moves on.”
“It would have been brilliant to have had gorgeous sunny weather to start off our season, it was a bit mixed and outdoors isn’t for everyone when the air temperature is on the cool side. Many people popped on a wetsuit, which is a good choice, if you are worried about feeling a bit chilly and, of course, there was the wonderful Brixham pirate festival, which I know 100’s of people attended, that probably knocked our numbers a bit, although it’s great to have lots of activities across the Bay to choose from and I know our time will come.”
There have been a few changes to ticketing this year, including the welcome return of day tickets. There are a range of visit durations, birthday party packages, group rates and exclusive whole venue hire and maybe even an event or two. With facilities for all ages now available Shipwreck Island is THE destination to visit this summer – you don’t need your passport but beware there be sea monsters and pirates!
Mr Richmond goes on to say: “Goodrington is looking super now with the addition of our Costa Coffee store, ice-cream and beach shop, we are nearly there with a completely refurbished Octagon food concession for the beach and waterpark, which will open in a few weeks. I notice there is also an upgrade to the mini-golf facilities in Young’s Park. Our vision was to create a resort feel to Goodrington which would encourage others to make their own investment. We want to make Goodrington a must visit place on the English Riviera, we have made a very good start, and there’s more to contribute from us, if all things go to plan. We are a relatively tiny family business but some big investors in the hotel industry have put their faith in Torbay and we very much hope that more businesses will now have the confidence to follow suit with improvements that will enhance the appeal of the area for all.“
