By DREW WINCHESTER, “mailto:dwinchester@breezenewspapers.com”>dwinchester@breezenewspapers.com

The special $5 reduced admission price at Sun Splash Family Waterpark was a resounding success over the weekend, as the park celebrated the official grand opening of its three new slides and the unofficial start to summer.

The threat of approaching thunder storms late Sunday afternoon was about the only thing that slowed the lure of the thrilling new slides, as the park was operating at full capacity all weekend long.

Sun Splash manager Annette Figueroa said people were lining up starting at 9 a.m. Sunday to get in.

“People were here at nine in the morning to get in,” Figueroa said. “We opened at 11 a.m., and closed at 11 a.m. due to capacity.“

Figueroa reported that attendance was the same on Saturday, though they did not reach capacity till 11:30 a.m. She credits the strong promotional campaign the park undertook to get the word out about its new attractions.

“I’m happy we promoted this weekend because it really worked. The word got out,” Figueroa said.

Sun Splash Cash Clerk Supervisor Bridgette Cox said the slides have been an incredible success.

“We have some kids who don’t want to go down the new slides because they’re scared, but for the most part, people have really been enjoying them,” Cox said.

At about 4 p.m. park officials shut down the new slides due to reports of lightning in the area.

Cape resident Diane Rivera waited at the bottom of the slides for her son, who had been riding the new slides all day long.

Rivera said she usually comes to Sun Splash once or twice during the season, but the new slides might bring her and her sons out to the park more often. Plus, she could not pass up the reduced admission.

“We came out today because it was five bucks,” she said.

Even with the slides down, families were still having a great time playing in the pool and the Lazy River.

Manager Figueroa really credited her staff for the weekend’s successful run, which had been going on since Friday. Members of the city’s staff — including the mayor and members of the city council — came out to officially dedicate the slides.

“This weekend has definitely been a success,” Figueroa said. “Our staff has definitely been doing an amazing job taking care of the crowd. We’ve been at capacity all three days, which is definitely a good sign for the summer. We look forward to more sunny days and happy people.”

For information on Sun Splash Family Waterpark’s new slides, operating hours or park admission prices, call 574-0558.