p.e.i.'s shining waters announces expansion with new lazy river
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matthew jelley, president of maritime fun group, which operates shining waters, said the park will add a 600-foot lazy river in what he says is the largest expansion since it opened 20 years ago.
the guardian
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shining waters family fun park is adding a 600-foot lazy river in what the park says is the largest expansion since it opened 20 years ago.
construction on the new attraction has already begun and is expected to continue throughout the 2026 operating season. the lazy river is scheduled to open in 2027.
matthew jelley, president of maritime fun group, which operates shining waters, said the new attraction is designed to offer a relaxing experience for visitors of all ages.
“it’s a 10-foot-wide pool that goes in a continuous loop,” jelley said. “there are pool jets that give it momentum so that when you sit in a tube, you travel around in a relaxing fashion. it’s a great attraction for both families and individuals alike.”
the lazy river will be built beside the park’s existing water attractions in the area formerly known as storybook woods. attractions that were previously located there have been relocated to other parts of the park.
visitors will enter and exit the attraction through a zero-entry pool. the centre of the lazy river will feature a landscaped island made of rock and concrete that will be accessible only to lifeguards.
jelley said the attraction will be able to accommodate more than 200 people at a time, making it one of the park’s main features.
“it’s a very large financial investment, but also a significant change to the physical area of the park. it will be something that’s fun, relaxing and for the whole family.”
according to jelley, the project is the biggest expansion in the park’s history.
“in 2015 and 2016, we added the large roller coaster at the front of the park, and that was a very big project,” he said. “but in overall size, this is the largest project since the park opened.”
construction is already underway, with preliminary excavation having started. jelley said crews are expected to begin digging the shape of the pool within the next two weeks.
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the project is being supported by a repayable $600,000 loan from the atlantic canada opportunities agency.
“it helps us,” jelley said. “it’s an important part of the mix, and we certainly appreciate the support of the atlantic canada opportunities agency.”
construction will take place in a restricted section of the park while shining waters remains open for the 2026 season. the park said visitors will continue to have access to its more than 40 attractions during the work.
vivian ulinwa is a reporter for the guardian in prince edward island. she can be reached at vulinwa@postmedia.com and followed on x @vivian_ulinwa.
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