Israel’s southernmost resort city of Eilat now finally has a waterpark.
After four years of construction and 110 million shekels in investment, the Waterland park opened its doors to the public this week. The site stretches over more than 20 dunams, or five acres.
The developers say Waterland boasts some of the world’s most innovative water attractions, “with spectacular digital effects.”
The park encompasses several complexes: a water slide complex for adults, a complex for children, a computerized wave pool, food courts, an amphitheater, a conference hall and a spacious changing area.
The developers say the slide complex is the only one of its kind in the region. It includes three water towers, with the tallest clocking in at 24 meters (79 feet) high.
Visitors can purchase tickets for either daytime activities from 10am to 6pm, or nighttime activities from 8pm to 12am.
The park was originally supposed to open in spring of 2021, but the coronavirus pandemic resulted in the construction being delayed by nearly two years.
The waterpark was constructed at the spot of the Texas Ranch tourist location, which was often used as a film set. Years before the construction of the Waterland began, Texas Ranch was shut down and abandoned.
Former Eilat Mayor Meir Yitzhak Halevi at the time demanded the Israel Land Administration either return the land to the city’s authority or build a waterpark. In 2016, the construction of the waterpark was finally approved.