In response to a recent letter, several readers wrote in to share their thoughts on bringing a water park back to Ocala.
“I am in agreement with Vanette Hines about bringing Wild Waters, or something similar, back to Ocala. There is not much here in Ocala to do unless you are into horses or bars. Of which I am not into either,” says Ocala resident Sheryl Balogh.
“Wild Waters was a go-to place when I was younger. I was going there since I was little and even got dropped off there to hang with my friends and swim. It was a place for everyone to enjoy with family that wasn’t so far away. We didn’t have to leave Ocala just to go to a water park. I absolutely loved Wild Waters. They should totally open another water park for our kids to grow up and enjoy. They tore down our childhood era…my favorite spot,” says Sky Mattison, Dunnellon resident.
“I agree, it would be great to see a water park return to Ocala. I know my grandsons would enjoy it. And with the growth that has taken place in Central Florida lately, not to mention the hot weather, I’m sure a water park would do very well here,” says Ocala resident Richard Bolinder.
“Just saying that there’s several investors looking for a location for the next wave pool. I started a push with some that Ocala and Silver Springs would be ideal. They are pushing the envelope on environmental issues. Some are ran on solar. Ocala weather is ideal, including summer wind patterns,” says Thomas Storey, Silver Springs resident.
“Ocala has been my home now since the day I was born. I grew up here and went to school here. Now my children are doing the same thing. Unfortunately for them, they will never get to experience the water park close to home like I did. My dad worked at Dayco, and every summer his job would give him tickets to go to Wild Waters and Silver Springs. This was so exciting as a kid to look forward to. And little by little the rest of the family planned on going when we did also, so it was a huge family day. Nowadays, not only is it so expensive, but you have to travel way out of your way just to go to a water park. Why not bring that money back into our beautiful town? We have the space, we just need the right person to get it done. That way many more people and their families can have the memories to cherish forever,” says Ocala resident Danielle Martinez.