Water park built in 1984 to be demolished and replaced with a new lazy river, wave simulator and 3 water slides

Get your swim trunks ready — a new water park is set to open in Garland, Texas.

The Regional Surf & Swim Aquatic Center will begin construction this summer and is expected to open in 2026.

The new theme park will replace the current Surf and Swim, built in 1984, which is currently closed for renovations.

The park has been closed to the public for several summers and will be completely demolished before the new facilities are built.

The city of Garland announced in a publish that plans for the new water park will include a “lazy, meandering river, a tranquil leisure pool, a splash park, a dedicated children’s pool, three new waterslides and shade structures.”

The family attraction will also include concessions for children.

“The revitalized Surf & Swim will also include a party room for celebrating birthdays and other special events and a concession stand,” the city added.

Garland citizens committed funds to the project in 2019 as part of a $117 million bond program.

“Implementation of this plan will transform Garland’s parks and facilities from outdated, poorly maintained facilities into modern spaces and places that allow residents and visitors to realize this vision,” Garland said. website explained.

The city is also investing in a second water park as part of the bond project, scheduled to open in 2025.

“State funds give us the opportunity to link bond-funded elements like the splash pad and playground improvements,” he said Andy HesserGeneral Director of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts.

“All of these variables together made it a perfect candidate to utilize state and federal funds to supplement local funds to improve the quality of life for our residents.

“As evidenced by the grant award, this project fulfills not only Garland’s mission, but also the mission of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as well as the federal goals of the Land and Water Conversation Fund.”

The Holford Recreation Center in North Garland will include a swimming pool, a sports complex with baseball, softball, soccer fields, pickleball courts and a walking trail.

Excited Garland residents who can’t wait for the parks to be completed can cool off at local splash pads.

Embree Park, Wynne Park, Watson Park and Downtown Square have splash pads that can be activated.

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The parks are open from May 4th to October 5th, from 8am to 8pm.

Garland residents can also visit Surf and Swim on weekends for a swim through Labor Day, September 6th.

Other aquatic options include the Garland ISD Swimming Pool, which will reopen to the public in August.

Although it is closed for maintenance upgrades, swimmers will be able to visit starting August 23rd.

The natatorium’s community swimming hours are Monday to Thursday, 5:15 pm to 8:15 pm, and Saturdays, 11 am to 1 pm.

Hawaiian Falls, a water park in North Texas, will also be available on weekends through September 18th.