It’s the summer attraction that adults 21 years and older have been waiting for at their favorite Central Ohio waterpark—the reimagined Croctail Creek is now open at Zoombezi Bay and is better than ever with new amenities, including the addition of the soon-to-open Sandbar!
Featuring a lounge pool with in-water seating, new and expanded layout space, and a 700-foot-long adults-only lazy river complete with heated water to encourage total relaxation, there are multiple ways that guests can soak up the sun and the full Croctail Creek experience. The Sandbar, which is set to open on August 1, is an area highlight with a daiquiri bar offering five varieties of frozen concoctions served in souvenir yard bottles as well as rum punch, hard seltzers and 12 beers on draft. The Sandbar will be able to be accessed for walk-up and swim-up service.
Whether guests opt to relax in the pool or lounge chair, or decide to float down the river in a tube with a favorite beverage in hand, Croctail Creek is designed to serve as an oasis for adults.
“While the planning and design of this long-anticipated project began in spring 2019, construction was halted in April and May of this year due to effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic. We are pleased that, despite the challenges, this project was completed early enough in the season so that adults within our supportive community can enjoy Croctail Creek, especially at a time when a break is well-deserved and just might be needed and appreciated,” said Tom Stalf, President/CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay, The Wilds, and Safari Golf Club.
The new Croctail Creek replaces the original Croctail Creek and Island, which opened at the site of the former Wyandot Lake in 1991. The Sandbar also more than doubles the size of the previous Croctail Island bar, and brings a unique swim-up bar atmosphere to Zoombezi Bay. The completion of this project also marks that there are no longer any Wyandot Lake attractions left at Zoombezi Bay.
“While the former adults-only lazy river was popular with our guests, we knew that we could greatly enhance the experience and raise it to our current expectations. There is no other adults-only experience of this kind in the Midwest, and we are proud that Croctail Creek brings another unique experience to Central Ohio,” said Anthony Sabo, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay’s Vice President of Waterpark Operations and Guest Services.
This $2.5 million project was built by Aquatic Development Group (ADG), and the project was funded through Zoombezi Bay cash flow from back-to back record breaking attendance seasons in 2018 and 2019.
In accordance with local, state and federal health and safety guidelines regarding COVID-19, and as part of Zoombezi Bay’s continued commitment to the well-being of guests and staff, as well as the animals at the adjacent Columbus Zoo, Zoombezi Bay is implementing carefully-planned and enhanced protocols and procedures (including timed entry for Season Pass Holders, Gold Members, and day-ticket holders) that also still allow for an enjoyable summer fun experience.
For additional details and updates, be sure to visit Zoombezi Bay’s website and also follow the waterpark’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
