Water Works is a 19-acre water park located in conjunction with Kings Dominion Dominion Amusement Park in Doswell, Virginia, north of Richmond. Admission to Water Works is included in the Kings Dominion entrance fee or season pass price. This trend is not unusual. For more information on the linking of amusement and water parks, see the AC article by Jennifer Granto entitled “Fun Amusement and Water Parks.”
Water Works opens on Memorial Day weekend and closes the day after Labor Day. Hours are from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
The park not only features the world’s tallest enclosed, dark tube slide, but it is also home to Surf City Splash House; a giant water-powered playhouse featuring more than 50 water-filled attractions. Surf City includes a swinging bridge, multiple water slides, and a 40-foot-high water bucket that just must tip over to spill cold water onto an unsuspecting parent or two.
Other attractions include:
Baja Bend – – the twisting fiberglass water slide that rapidly descends into a 42″ pool of wonderfully cool water.
Big Wave Bay features giant 4-foot waves that are guaranteed to offer everyone in the family a thrill as they swim in the luxurious 650,000-gallon pool.
Free Stylin’ lets guests experience massive curves and drops as they ride inner tubes around the 42″ deep splash pool.
Lazy River lefts its riders drift along a one-quarter mile river ride that takes the raft over gentle water, through stunning waterfalls, and atop geysers.
Lil’ Barefoot Beach offers a spacious splash pool that was made specifically with the little ones in mind.
Pipeline Peak features four individual slides including:
1. The Night Slider – – the world’s tallest enclosed dark tube slide;
2. Power Plunge;
3. Rip Slide; and
4. Turbo Twister.
Shoot the Curl is a dynamic 32″ diameter speed slide made of fully enclosed clear fiberglass. It’s perfect for the slide connoisseur.
Spiral Chute includes two fully enclosed fiberglass tube slides that wrap around each other much like a pretzel.
Tidal Wave Bay. This brand new pool – – which opened in 2007 – – offers hours of swimming fun. It’s new for 2007!
The Tornado provides riders with a truly unique water experience because it extends 65 feet into the air. This is a ride that everyone will want to take over and over again. It is also new for 2007!
Zoom Flume – – also new for 2007 – – sends families on yet another rafting adventure. Zooming down the curving water path at break neck speed is sure to be fun for all members of the family.
For those who don’t particularly like cold water,the water of the Baja Bend slides generally offers the warmest water. These long slides collect a lot of the sun’s heat, which is, in turn, transferred to the water. The Big Wave pool also contains pretty warm water.
There are some height requirements for children who want to use the medium and large sized water slides. Parents should be prepared to deal with disappointed children at both ends of the spectrum. Sometimes big kids want to ride where only the small belong, just like some youngsters want to prove their mettle by riding one of the larger slides.
Thelines for some of the slides sometimes move slowly. Lifeguards are always on hand to make certain that the previous rider has completed his or her ride prior to the next rider entering the slide. While this practice may seem excessive to some, it certainly increases slide safety, which is an important issue particularly when children are involved.
Apparel Requirements and Restrictions:
All visitors must wear swimsuits. T-shirts (or other shirts, for that matter) shorts, and pants are not allowed on the rides. Shirts can be used when not on the slides in order to protect delicate skin from burning.
Certain kinds of swimsuits are not allowed because they could catch on the water rides. These include those with nailheads, rivets, zippers, snaps, buckles, buttons, and certain other types of embellishments. Lifeguards inspect all swimsuits of individuals wishing to use the slides. Additionally, see through suits or swimsuits that are deemed “too revealing” (e.g., thongs) are not allowed.
Footwear of any kind is not allowed on the slides. However, shoes are recommended for walking around the park as the pavement can get very hot during certain times of the day.
Swim diapers are required for infants and toddlers. These should be brought into the park although a gift store may have a few in stock for purchase. Life jackets are also required for all non-swimmers and are recommended for children. The park makes them available.
Sun Burn & Heat Stroke:
Umbrellas are located throughout the park on a first come, first served basis.
Everyone is encouraged to use the appropriate sunscreen protection for his or her individual skin type. The gift shop carries sunscreen for those who forget to bring it with them.
People can easily become dehydrated at a water park. For that reason, it is recommended that everyone bring a water bottle with him or her (which can be refilled at the park). The park also sells cups (at $10) with refills at $1 each.
Light snacks are available in the park. However, it is permissible to bring in snacks and drinks as well. Lockers are available for rent on a daily basis.
Individuals identified as being in danger of too much sun (via sunburn or heat stroke) may be asked to leave the park.
Because the water park is a public swimming facility, the water is kept well chlorinated. The park recommends bringing goggles for the kids and anyone else who may have sensitive eyes. People who plan to remain in the water most of the day, might consider wearing an older swimsuit since chlorine can damage certain types of materials as well as change dye colors.
Showers are recommended before leaving the park, to rinse excess chlorine off. It is particularly critical to those who have color-treated hair, since chlorine can interact with certain types of bleaches and dyes.
Weekdays are a particularly good time to visit the park. Those who want to visit on the weekend might consider the last couple of hours toward the close of the day. Crowds tend to be smaller at those times.
For those who love the water, but don’t want to go to the beach, Water Works may very well be just the ticket. It’s fun in the sun and it’s free if you’ve already purchased a Kings Dominion ticket or season pass.
For information on how to make the best of a water park vacation, see “Six Ways to Make the Most of Your Water Park Experience,” by B. Mathison. Should Kings Dominion’s Water Works not be your cup of tea, checkout “The Top Five Water Parks to Have Fun in the Sun in America” by Jeff Schuman II. He shares information on some of the USA’s best water parks.
