After 40 Years, South County Water Wizz Closing For Good

WESTERLY, RI — One of southern Rhode Island's summer destinations will be closing its doors for good at the end of the summer. After four decades of fun, Water Wizz of Westerly will not reopen in 2020. The water park's manager, Ken Rider, announced the closure on social media Wednesday night. Rider cited high operating costs, old slides and Superstorm Sandy as reasons for the closure.

"After forty years, Water Wizz Rhode Island will sadly be closing its doors at the end of the 2019 season," Rider wrote. "An aging infrastructure, the ever-increasing cost to operate a small, seasonal business, and still recovering from significant financial impact of Superstorm Sandy have all factored into owner Mike Kells' difficult decision to close the park."

Water Wizz has been a southern Rhode Island summer standby since its opening in 1979. According to Rider, it was sold to Raymond and Patricia Kells in 1981 and has been family owned and operated ever since. In 1985, two new slides were added, helping to increase the park's popularity.

"Over the past four decades, Water Wizz owes many thanks to the Trefes family, Chamber of Commerce, and Misquamicut Business Association, all of whom have aided in Water Wizz becoming and remaining a landmark on the Misquamicut shoreline," Rider said.

Despite its location on the busy Misquamicut shoreline, Rider said one of the best features of Water Wizz is its "small-town feel," catering to both locals and tourists.

"Whether it’s a patron’s first time visiting the slides or like Tom, who has been visiting at least once a week for the past thirty years, Water Wizz has strived [sic] to provide a friendly, safe, and fun experience for all," Rider said. "Rarely does a day go by that we don’t hear a story about a patron’s first time on the slides years ago, or parents bringing their children or grandchildren to experience the same thrills they felt as a child."

Rider himself has been a fixture at the park for decades, visiting the park for the first time as a 14-year-old in 1992, before getting a job four years later. He has worked there ever since, serving as a slide attendant, lifeguard and manager.

"It's hard to put into words what this little place has meant to me. Some of my best and most lasting friendships began at Water Wizz, and I’ve managed to keep in touch with so many past employees," he said.

The announcement comes as the 2019 summer season is drawing to a close, with just a few weeks left before the park closes for good after Labor Day weekend. Rider and the owners thanked the public for their dedication to the park over the years, saying they hope everyone will come by for one last slide before the end of the season.

"The Water Wizz family is humbled and grateful for your patronage. If you have the chance, stop by to get those last slides in before Labor Day, and share your Water Wizz memories with us," Rider concluded.

The park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weather permitting. Tickets cost $13 for 40 minutes of unlimited rides or $25 for a day pass. Group rates are available upon request.