SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Another family-oriented theme park was unveiled here by the Subic Bay Marine Exloratorium, Inc. (SBMEI), operator of the popular tourist attraction Ocean Adventure Marine Park, in time for children’s summer entertainment and family outings.

This is the Adventure Beach Water Park, which is packed with water slides, wading pools, artificial rivers, and other water-themed facilities in its one-hectare location between the Subic Bay and the triple-canopied Ilanin Forest Reserve.

The new park was formally launched on Thursday by SBMEI Chairman Jack Lin, SBMEI CEO Robert Gonzaga, and guest of honor Chairman Wilma T. Eisma of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

Gonzaga said the Adventure Beach Water Park project is part of SBMEI’s expansion program that was designed to further bolster the grip of Ocean Adventure, as well as that of its sister-firm Camayan Beach Resort, on the educational-entertainment tourism niche here.

“We want to dish out fun opportunities for family bonding that might as well be memorable and educational experiences for the children,” Gonzaga explained.

“At the same time, we emphasize caring for the environment as the core value in the SBMEI complex,” he added.

The major attractions at the Adventure Beach Water Park are the three-storey Twisters Slide, the Rainbow Falls at the Kidz Playground splash-and-play area, the swinging Viking ship, the Aqua Serein that simulates rain, and the River Bend artificial river that goes around most of the ark area.

Aside from these, the park has Forest Grill, which serves snacks and a great variety of grilled food serve in native “bilao”; and an open-sea area for swimming and kayaking that older children and adults can enjoy.

All around the park are cabanas for visitors. These range from a pavilion that could accommodate 70 persons at P8,000 for the day, to the four-person square cabana rented out at P300. There is also one Tiki Tower good for up to 15 persons at P2,500 per day.

Gonzaga said the facility can easily take in 700 guests at one time, with admission rates at P528 for children seven years old and below, as well as for senior citizens; and P688 for adults.

Meanwhile, guests at Ocean and Adventure and Camayan Beach  may enjoy a 30 percent discount and unlimited access at the water park, which opens from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday to Monday during peak season, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends and holidays during lean season.

Gonzaga added that in consonance with strict safety regulations in the park, children 12 years old and below, as well as persons with medical conditions, are required to be supervised by an adult companion at all times while in the park.

Guests are also asked to help protect the environment, as the park is located in a marine sanctuary.  – Henry Empeño