Summer has traditionally been a period of relatively low occupancy at Westgate River Ranch Resort, situated in eastern Polk County.
That is changing with the recent opening of River Country Water Park, said Jim Szabo, River Ranch’s executive general manager.
“I don’t know if you’ve been out here, but during the summertime, it’s really, really hot,” Szabo said “So, no matter how nice it is and all the stuff we have, the one piece that was holding us back is not having that water feature. So by opening this park, I mean, it truly makes us all seasons now.”
Summer occupancy has tripled since River Country Water Park opened about a month ago, Szabo said. Westgate River Ranch Resort, located about 20 miles east of Frostproof in eastern Polk County, is staging a grand opening for the water park on July 28.
Covering 22,000 square feet, River Country Water Park features a 281-foot water slide, a tube slide and a 35-foot freefall slide. For younger children, the attraction contains a splash pad, dump buckets, spray cannons and a waterfall shower.
“And then they have the water guns themselves, which are really cool,” Szabo said. “They’re mounted, and you can sit there on your little pony and point a water gun and get mom and dad wet. I mean, that’s what I would do.”
The walk-in pool has a maximum depth of 6 feet. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Lifeguards are stationed by the pool, and life vests are available to swimmers, Szabo said.
Guests can rent private cabanas at poolside, shaded areas outfitted with couches and chairs, TV screens and a stocked refrigerator. A server is available to take orders of food and drinks, such as Cowboy Donuts and the Campfire, a s’mores donut.
The attraction provides food and beverage options at Bar’N and Bar’N Bites. The former serves a range of libations, including such cocktails as 8 Second Mai Tai and Tipsy Gator. Bar’N Bites serves burgers, tacos and chicken tenders, among other items.
River Country Water Park is situated at the center of the resort, adjacent to Cowboy Adventure Park, Szabo said.
“So, we have families going back and forth,” he said. “You walk right across and then you’re in the kids’ adventure park. So, back and forth all day long.”
Entry to the water park is included with reservations to River Ranch. Admission to the water park alone is $19.95 per person.
Guests may also purchase a 1-Day Adventure Pass for $34.95 or a 3-Day Pass for $84.95, allowing unlimited access to on-site attractions, including the Cowboy Adventure Park, petting farm, archery and miniature golf.
River Country Water Park is open Saturday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The opening of the River Country Water Park continues a trend of increasing River Ranch’s appeal for local residents, Szabo said. In November, the resort began hosting the Moonshine Market on Saturdays and a farmer’s market on Sundays, drawing local vendors to sell food, crafts and other items. The markets set up near the water park.
Szabo’s excitement was evident as he talked about the additions.
“Normally, summertime is where you start lowering your staff,” he said. “We’re actually doing job fairs to pull people in during the summertime.”
Gary White can be reached at gary.white@theledger.com or 863-802-7518. Follow on X @garywhite13.
