MCMINNVILLE, OR--(Marketwire - Jun 6, 2011) - Evergreen Wings & Waves Waterpark, the nation's only education and aviation-themed nonprofit waterpark, is now open to the public. The grand opening was held today in McMinnville, Ore., to commemorate Evergreen Aviation's 10th anniversary.
"The Evergreen campus has evolved and changed so much during the past 10 years, and we are thrilled to invite children to come experience and learn about the power of water through our new waterpark," said Delford Smith, owner and founder of the Evergreen Aviation group of companies and chairman of the Evergreen Museum Board.
The grand opening celebration included the winners of the park's Student Essay Contest who were awarded a $500 college starter kit from the Oregon College Savings Plan, plus a free field trip for their classmates to accompany them today.
More than 260 children shouted out a space shuttle countdown as Smith officially opened the park with the push of a large red starter button to turn on the water.
Evergreen Wings & Waves is the first waterpark of its kind, featuring a retired Evergreen International Airlines Boeing 747 aircraft on top of the building with four waterslides coming off either side to carry swimmers over the roof and into the water below.
Evergreen Wings & Waves Waterpark Features:
- 10 waterslides equaling more than 2,000 feet of slide surface.
- Wave pool that holds more than 91,000 gallons of water.
- Play structure that includes a 300 gallon splash bucket and helicopter.
- Toddler area with bubblers, fountains and two slides.
- Leisure pool with spa and vortex pool.
- Children's museum designed to teach visitors about the philosophy, "H2O: life needs water."
- Starcade gaming center for on-land fun.
- Concession area to keep swimmers energized.
- Private rooms available to reserve for birthday parties or other celebrations.
- Family-style locker rooms.
Wings & Waves is the newest addition to the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum campus, which is designed to create an environment that not only teaches the public about aircraft, but also demonstrates the importance of skills like mathematics, science, teamwork, determination and perseverance. The addition of the waterpark adds another layer of education, teaching families about the power and importance of water.
For more information about Evergreen Wings & Waves, please visit http://www.evergreenmuseum.org/waterpark and www.facebook.com/EvergreenWaterpark.
About Evergreen Wings & Waves
Evergreen Wings & Waves educational waterpark includes 10 waterslides, a wave pool and a children's museum dedicated to teaching visitors about the power of water. The facility features more than 70,000-square-feet of educational fun, highlighted by a massive Evergreen International Aviation Boeing 747 aircraft that rests on the top of the building. Throughout the structure, waterpark visitors learn about the power of water and its effects on society through dozens of interactive exhibits and learning tools. For more information, visit http://www.evergreenmuseum.org/waterpark/.
Hours: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Monday through Sunday
Location: 460 Northeast Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville, Ore. 97128
Admission: Children under 42 inches: $25, children over 42 inches: $30, H2O Museum only: $10
Capacity: 1,700 people
Water park size: 71,350-square-feet
Pool temperature: 84 degrees
Contact Information:
Media Contact:
Melissa Moore
503.546.7894
Melissa@lanepr.com