Funtown Splashtown Usa

Funtown Splashtown Is Expanding

Funtown Splashtown USA in Saco, Maine, plans to expand its water park before next season, adding a tower with six additional water slides.

Officials say the tower will have two levels, with the tallest one reaching 60 feet skyward. People using the tallest tower will stand in clear capsules before the floor drops, sending them hurtling downward at 40 feet per second.

Funtown Splashtown USA plans expansion | SeacoastOnline.com

Embrace your inner daredevil and prepare to experience the world's wildest, wettest thrill.

Come mid-September, Funtown Splashtown USA in Saco will be busy at work creating six new water slides that will feature innovative design and the latest technology.

"Two of them will have launch capsules," said Marketing and Special Events Manager Ed Hodgdon.

Riders will stand inside a capsule that leans back slightly and while they wait, the floor of the capsule will drop out from under them, hurtling them down 60 feet as the water slides at over 40 feet per second.

Each slide will be made of translucent fiberglass, allowing the slider to see outside of the slide tunnel and guests to watch the slider navigate to the bottom.

"It's basically like a figure eight," Hodgdon explained of the "Flatline Loop" capsule slide that takes the slider through a tunnel shaped like a figure eight. "This has not been seen anywhere else in the world. It's first-rate, world-class."

The four slides at the lower level, at 49 feet high, are designed as a racing bed.

Using special mats, the slide will allow for riders to race head-first against each other to the bottom of the slide, with each finish being ranked first to fourth place.

The new water slide tower will be located at the Kartland Picnic Area.

The park will also be opening a new restaurant and restroom facility and relocating CandyLand, the Funtoberfest Beer Garden, and two picnic areas to make room for the new slides.

"It's going to be in an area that's underdeveloped," Hodgdon said.

With the high temperatures and recent humidity, it's no surprise that many are visiting Splashtown to cool off.

"It's been great," Hodgdon said of this season. "The weather's been warm so that's helped us a lot."

With the new slides set to open next June, Hodgdon predicts the expansion at Splashtown will help its continued success.

"Our water park has shown so much growth. So many people come to do the water park activities. It's wonderful," he said.

"It will greatly enhance the water park. It will elevate us to a higher level," Hodgdon added. "It shows we are growing and offering high-quality amusements.

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