Published March 13, 2019

25 Acre Water Sports Complex To Be Built At Upcoming Gilbert New Regional Park!

Written by Shanna Day Team

25 Acre Water Sports Complex To Be Built At Upcoming Gilbert New Regional Park! header image.

Five years after the town of Gilbert conceived a plan for a park with residents clamoring for an aquatic center, the three lakes at the Gilbert Regional Park in South Gilbert (currently under construction) are set to host a 25-acre water sports complex with a Town Council approval of 6-1.

Town officials said that the $35 million Gilbert park would be unlike other American water parks and expect it to draw people from all over Arizona, with amenities like:

-a surf lagoon that can create up to 10 to 12 feet of ridable waves;
-a cable-ski lake for wakeboarding and jumps;
-an aqua park water obstacle course suitable for all ages;
-a sand beach with swimming areas;
-a clubhouse/restaurant;
-a pro shop;
-cabanas; and
-a floating stage.

A public-private partnership between Gilbert and The Strand @ Gilbert, a locally-formed company, the water park is in the design phase around late February 2019 with construction set to start in 90-120 days. The water park is expected to open in the summer of 2020 but the first phase of the surrounding park which includes two playgrounds, a splash pad and restrooms is scheduled to open in September this year.

The agreement between Gilbert and The Strand @ Gilbert is for a 50-year lease with options for three 10-year extensions. Gilbert would receive a minimum annual payment of $253,191.24, and projects a revenue share between $450,000 and $750,000 each year based on 3 percent of the gross revenue between $15 million and $25 million annually. However, the company is confident that gross revenue would be between $25 million and $36 million annually.

In addition, the town will bear no costs in construction, maintenance or operations but would be paid. Gilbert residents will get a 10 percent discount. The town also expects 180 jobs and an annual economic impact of $317 million created and generated by the park.

On the other hand, The Strand @ Gilbert agreed to build a 400-space shareable parking lot. The Strand will also be bringing its own water rights into the deal and won’t be using Gilbert water.