Local water park sees surge of visitors as temperatures soar

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — With temperatures reaching highs of 99 degrees in Wilmington on Wednesday, many were looking to cool off on the hottest day of the year so far. 

“We’ve been really busy, with the weather, a lot of people are really—you know—hot,” Elena Stubbinges said. 

Stubbinges works at Jungle Rapids—an arcade and water park in Wilmington. 

Stubbinges says with schools out on summer break, and temperatures soaring this week, the water park is seeing some of its busiest days of the year so far. 

When we visited the park on Wednesday, many parents and grandparents were there with their kids. 

“We try to get here at least once a year if not more than, especially on a day like this,” one grandparent said. 

On weekends, Stubbinges says the park can see as many as 1,000 people, though she says attendance appears to be peaking earlier this year because of the excessive heat. 

 “We kind of focus on the New Hanover County Schools schedule, we open that first day that they’re out, and we slowly start peaking around July. This summer it’s been a little bit different just because of the heat I think,” she explained. 

For parents—the park serves as a great way to get kids out of the house—without getting too hot. 

“During the summer, when the kids have off, what better place to come,” a grandparent said. 

Stubbinges says if you plan on visiting, tickets are discounted on Sunday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.