SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A highly anticipated water park set to replace Raging Waters at Cal Expo has pushed back its opening date.
Though summer is nearly here and many are looking forward to the phased opening of Cali Bunga, a few snags will keep it closed this summer.
“We could not with all the citations from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health, basically nothing would pass inspection in time to get reopened,” said Steve Dooner, CEO of California Dreamin’.
He says they signed a lease with Cal Expo last year to take over the former water park. Instead of restoring what once was, visitors will be getting an entirely new experience — except for the Lazy River and waterslides in the northwest corner of the park.
“The park was kind of neglected the last few years, especially after COVID, by the previous owners and it just was not safe to reopen any part of the park this year,” said Dooner.
The price went up 33% higher for the Capital city to have a brand new park, plus the $2 million cost of demolition.
“You have a 42 year old wave pool and really had outlived its useful life by about 20 years,” said Dooner.
The $40 million project is just waiting for state permits to continue moving forward.
“Cal Fire has been amazingly supportive but as typical with governmental agencies, they are a little understaffed and it takes longer,” said Dooner.
Park plans show three large raft rides, five serpentine styles, a lazy river with a swim up bar, wave pool and more.
Cali Bunga also is set to be open longer than most water parks each season, opening for spring break and running through Halloween.
Park officials are hopeful permits will arrive by the end of June so they can continue working.
WATCH MORE: Stockton splash Pad opens for homeless families
