Water Park Approved for Randalls Island

WNYC News | Jul 12, 2010

New York, NY —

A proposed water park with wave pools and 80-foot-tall water slides has been approved for New York City.

The city's Franchise and Concession Review Committee voted to allow the proposed 35-year lease with Aquatic Development Group. The planned 26-acre water park will be built on Randalls Island, where the East and Harlem Rivers meet under the Triborough Bridge.

Supporters say the $168 million water park will bring tourists and economic activity, but critics question whether parkland should be used by a private developer.

Some community activists also oppose it because they say it only adds to the increasing commercialization of the city.

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