Raging Waters in San Jose is set to reopen this summer once city leaders give the green light on a tentative agreement with a new operator, according to city officials.
The once-popular water park closed after the 2023 season, and its operator announced it wouldn't be reopening in 2024, citing declining attendance.
But Mayor Matt Mahan, along with councilmembers Domingo Candelas and Peter Ortiz, spearheaded an effort to land a new operator, California Dreamin' Entertainment, and the park is set to reopen its gates this summer, Mahan said during a news conference at City Hall on Thursday.
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The deal with California Dreamin' is pending San Jose City Council approval on Feb. 27, the mayor said.
As it stands, the agreement is for California Dreamin' to operate the park through at least September 2025, and in the meantime, the city will continue to work on finding a long-term operator, whether that's California Dreamin' or another operator, Mahan said.
"(The city) has found an interim operator who is going to get creative ... upgrading landscaping, partnering with food trucks and opening an outdoor wine garden to bring our families and young people back to Raging Waters this summer," Mahan said. "Raging Waters will be open this summer, providing the fun experience we all know and love."
Raging Waters opened in 1985 as one of the first waterslide parks in the region. After last season, the company operating the water park terminated its lease with the city of San Jose.
Following the closure, the city contacted multiple companies about the park’s remaining lease and selected California Dreamin’ Entertainment as an organization that would meet the project’s requirements.
The new operator will pour $6 million into capital improvements, including a wine garden.
The new vendor will also pay San Jose 6% of its gross revenue in rent, slightly higher than the old company. But the city said the real winners are the residents.
"Our East San Jose residents are great residents who often feel disenfranchised from the city, "Candelas said. "This is a double down and commitment from the city."
