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THE FREE LANCE-STAR
ADAY at the amusement park is full of rides, shows, delicious funnel cakes and other pleasing attractions.
But what happens when the heat and humidity overpower the fun and games?
Paramount's Kings Dominion has the answer: WaterWorks.
Spanning more than 19 acres within the theme park, WaterWorks contains nearly 40 attractions, including water slides and water-play areas.
Recently, North Carolina residents Michelle and Mark Bunch made their first visit to WaterWorks with sons Hunter, 7, and Houston, 6.
As a family, they appreciated rides and attractions that they could enjoy together, including Surf City Splash House and Lil' Barefoot Beach.
The Surf City Splash House is a multilevel water-powered playhouse equipped with slides, a swinging bridge, cargo nets and water jets.
But if you happen to walk past Surf City, beware. Every few minutes, a bucket suspended 40 feet high dumps 800 gallons of water onto the ground below.
Lil' Barefoot Beach is a spacious splash pool available only to the smallest children. They may be accompanied by a full-sized chaperon.
At the far end of WaterWorks, Big Wave Bay is the ultimate family attraction.
"Big Wave Bay attracts a lot of people," said lifeguard Lindsay Tuck.
The pool of 650,000 gallons of water seems calm at first. But once a horn sounds, waves cresting as high as 4 feet take charge of the bay.
Big Wave Bay also is the only attraction open to patrons of all heights.
Height restrictions were the only problem the Bunch family encountered at the park.
"It makes it hard when one of the boys is tall enough to ride and the other isn't," Michelle Bunch said.
Although many of the slides are restricted to those over 4 feet tall, those qualifications, along with health recommendations and attraction ratings, are all available online.
take it easy
The Lazy Rider caters to anyone looking to relax and cool off. Riders drift down the quarter-mile path through the water park, floating past water slides and roller coasters while encountering numerous waterfalls and geysers.
Commonly referred to as the Lazy River, it is the most recognizable landmark in the park, and it is the most popular water attraction as well.
Several slides are in the vicinity of the Lazy Rider--some for thrill seekers, and others for people looking for a slower-paced ride.
Free Stylin' and Baja Bends are two of the milder rides.
Free Stylin' is composed of two twisting slides that riders descend on inner tubes. The ride is smooth, slow-paced and appropriate for even small children, but they must wear a life vest.
The smooth Baja Bends moves at a faster pace than Free Stylin', and there are no inner tubes. Because riders end up in a yard-deep splash pool, small children are not permitted. They might want to splash in one of the five slides in Kiddie Cove, which has plenty of elbow room.
Other children's areas and thrill rides also are available in the newest section of the water park across the Lazy River and beyond the Rebel Yell roller coaster.
a ride on the wild sideFor those seeking a fast-paced, action-packed ride, FreeFallin', Spiral Chute and Shoot the Curl are the way to go.
FreeFallin' offers a series of steep slides that riders descend bareback.
The Spiral Chute is composed of two enclosed slides that twist around each other before separating and ending in narrow pools of water.
Shoot the Curl offers three fully enclosed slides--two with curves and one that plummets in a straight path.
For the daredevils in the family, Pipeline Peak features Night Slider, the world's tallest enclosed dark tube slide. Also a part of Pipeline Peak are Rip Slide, Turbo Twister and Power Plunge. Whether it's hairpin curves or death-defying speeds, each offers its own special twists and thrills.
necessities and souvenirsBesides rides and attractions, WaterWorks also is equipped with user-friendly amenities including food, shopping and other services.
Subway, Waterpark Funnel Cake and a stand selling Boardwalk Fries are among the eateries within WaterWorks.
For the shopper in the family, Sun and Surf Supplies and Shorts and Shades sell towels, sunscreen, bathing suits and anything else needed to survive the summer sun.
Lockers are located in two different areas of WaterWorks. Restrooms, smoking areas and first-aid stations are also placed throughout the park.
WaterWorks opened its gates for the season on May 15, but has yet to see a typical-size summer crowd.
"Since it's early in the season and it's not as hot, the water park isn't as busy," Tuck said. But with students out of school "a lot more people and a lot more families will start coming."
To reach BECKY PIEDEL: 540/374-5000, ext. 5558