This summer is already looking to go swimmingly.
San Jose City Council is gearing up to reopen Raging Waters as soon as this summer, pending approval of a new site operator.
In September 2023, the beloved east side water park closed abruptly after Labor Day weekend. The former owners, Palace Entertainment, simply stated, “Thanks for the memories, San Jose! Raging Waters San Jose is closed for the season and will not be reopening in 2024" on its website.
The water park originally opened in 1985, and Palace Entertainment acquired the park in 2002. Following the end of its lease with the city of San Jose, city officials were in contact with potential new owners.
Council members Domingo Candelas + Peter Ortiz, who both represent the east side, led the push to securing California Dreamin’ Entertainment as the new operators. The company, along with CEC Entertainment made a deal last October with Raging Waters Sacramento Water Park to revamp it as a Chuck E. Cheese-themed water park. Hey, that seems a bit more San Jose-centric though, no?
According to Mayor Matt Mahan, San Jose’s Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services department will work to revitalize the 23-acre park with new additions like a wine garden + food truck area — no rat rides or cheesy slides planned.
As a part of the deal, California Dreamin’ will be in charge of park operations for the next 20 years, and will invest $6 million for park improvements. The deal also stipulates that 6% of the park’s gross revenue will go back to the city of San Jose.
City Council is set to approve the agreement with California Dreamin’ on Tuesday, Feb. 27, but we’ll continue to update this story as we know more.