Summer attractions ramp up opening day preparations during spring heat wave

SALT LAKE CITY — The record-breaking heat wave Utah faced during March gave Utah water managers and firefighters major headaches. But water parks and other local attractions have been loving it.

“Definitely having nice weather helps people get excited about coming to our water park,” Cowabunga Bay Water Park General Manager Dave Huish said.

While Cowabunga Bay Water Park has maintained its opening date for Memorial Day weekend, Huish said the warm weather does help people get into the right mindset.

“As people start planning their vacations, their times, they’re starting to think about, ‘Hey, what are we going to do this summer?’ We see that, that increases our season pass sales for sure,” Huish said.

The rising temperatures have also allowed him to prepare the water park early for the summer, as well as hire seasonal workers.

“If it’s outside and it’s 50 degrees and it’s raining, no one’s really thinking about working during the summer,” Huish said.

Utah’s Hogle Zoo has also seen an increase in visitors tied to the warmer temperatures.

“Definitely always hope for more water and more snow coming our way,” Jane Kremer with Utah’s Hogle Zoo said. “But it’s been nice to enjoy these warmer temperatures.”

Just like the water park, Kremer said the zoo has seen an increase in summer pass sales along with its rise in visitors.

“Definitely encourages people to think about outdoor plans so it can encourage some zoo days,” Kramer said. “It’s been really great to see people out and enjoying the warm weather.”

While the rest of the zoo remains open, Kremer said the zoo plans to open its splash pad over Memorial Day weekend, timing it to coincide with the start of summer vacation.

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