Henderson water park Cowabunga Bay will close after 2026 season

The Pyek Group announced Monday that Cowabunga Bay in Henderson, Nevada, will close its doors after the 2026 season. The water park, located about five miles southeast of the Las Vegas Strip, will not reopen for the 2027 season, marking the end of its 12-year run in the community.

Cade Vereen, vice president of operations for the park, stated that the closure was driven by a need to streamline the company's resources. He told Fox 5 on Tuesday that moving operations to the sister property, Cowabunga Canyon in Summerlin, was the best strategic move for the brand. Summerlin is located approximately 25 miles west of Henderson. Vereen clarified that no single incident or event triggered the decision, but rather a broader operational consolidation.

The announcement surprised many local residents who had planned for the park's return next year. The company was still selling 2027 season passes on social media as recently as October 1. According to the Pyek Group, these passes will be honored for the full 2027 season at Cowabunga Canyon, ensuring that committed customers can still access a water park under the Cowabunga brand.

Local reaction has been mixed, with many families expressing frustration over the loss of a nearby recreational option. Jim, a frequent visitor, questioned the vague nature of the explanation provided by management. He told Fox 5 that while economic factors or water shortages might be understandable, the term streamlining lacked clarity. He urged the ownership group to issue a more detailed statement regarding the financial and logistical reasons behind the shutdown.

Greco Arias, a Henderson resident, described the closure as limiting for families in the area. She told KTNV that the park served visitors of all ages and was a central part of the summer experience in the community. Arias noted that finding alternative activities for children in the city has become more difficult with the park's exit.

The 23-acre facility in Henderson featured more than 20 slides, pools, and other attractions. It had previously earned a runner-up spot in USA Today's 10Best ranking of outdoor water parks in 2025. The Pyek Group, which operates the Cowabunga Bay and Cowabunga Canyon locations, also manages the Typhoon Texas water parks in Houston and Austin, along with Daytona Lagoon in Florida.

Social media comments reflected a sense of loss among regulars. One user noted that Henderson families were unlikely to drive the extra distance to Summerlin for a daily or weekly outing. The closure leaves the Henderson location dark after more than a decade of operation, with the company thanking guests and staff for their contributions to the park's history.