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OWA Parks and Resort officials today announced updates on their new indoor water park, plus the rebranding concept for their amusement park.

Opened as The Park at OWA in 2017, the resort is transforming its 14-acre amusement park, featuring 23 rides and attractions, as well as a new $70+ million water park expansion into a tropical paradise named Tropic Falls.

Being inspired with OWA’s meaning of “big water,” which is derived from the Muscogee Creek language, the entire amusement park will now be filled with tropical touches allowing guests to feel like they have stepped into an island paradise, according to a release.

This includes a complete makeover of the front gate and an expansion of tropical theming throughout. Guests can still enjoy the amusement park on weekends during the winter season, even while construction is taking place at the entrance.

“We are incredibly proud of OWA, the direction its moving and the economic impact it continues to have on not only the local community but state as well,” CIEDA President/CEO, Cody Williams said. “With the addition of the new indoor water park and the wave pool, we will be creating an additional 400 new jobs for our community. That opportunity, to create such a strong impact for our community, is something we hold to the highest regard.”

The water park boasts 100,000 square feet of indoor space featuring a retractable roof and sidewall, 11 total water slides, a lazy river and more.

The water park will also feature outdoor amenities including a 30,000 square foot wave pool named Big Water Bay, a surf simulator, private cabana rentals and an outdoor dining location named Smugglers Café.

“We are so excited to share that upon completion, Tropic Falls will be the only indoor water park in the United States with a retractable wall and retractable roof, allowing for the ultimate experience in Coastal Alabama climate control,” said Kristin Hellmich, director of marketing and public relations for OWA Parks and Resort. “Of course, no water park would be complete without a fun, new pal to hang out with. Our new toucan friend is flying in for a new permanent home. We’re so excited for our guests to meet him.”

Tropic Falls has proudly introduced a toucan as their first mascot. As a special treat, guests can vote on their favorite names for this tropical friend or suggest one themselves. The survey link is available on OWA Parks and Resort Facebook page starting today.

The current projected opening date for the water park is May 2022. Mark your calendars and be sure to keep up with all the up-to-date water park news at VisitOWA.com