With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Road Tripping: An Abandoned Waterpark in the Desert
If you've driven the I-15 between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, you've probably noticed signs for the eerily empty Rock-a-Hoola Waterpark. Ever wondered what the heck that creepy, colorful, sketchy place was?
It's been a long time since fun-seekers got soaked under the sun in the Mojave Desert; after seeing numerous incarnations in the same spot since the early 1960s finally closed for good in 2004.
But if you're a little adventurous, and you don't fear trespassing where it may caution not to, you can sneak onto the curious property and poke around. You'll be joined by other rebels, like photographers and skateboarders, the latter of which have a pretty steady thing going within one of the old park rides.
What is the backstory for this desert oddity? The venue began as a private recreation area known as Lake Dolores, a man-made-lake designed and built by area businessman Bob Byers, who named the area for his wife and intended family members and friends to use the site. Byers opened it to the public, and continued to develop the land. Rides and attractions were added over the next 25 years.
Support for LAist comes from
"The park saw its peak attendance between the early 1970s and the mid 1980s. After a downturn in popularity in the late 1980s, the park closed," says Wikipedia. Byers sold the park in 1990, but it was reborn as Rock-a-Hoola Waterpark, complete with new waterslides and features; it opened in 1998. But the fun didn't last long. An on-site off-the-clock employee accident in 1999 put a dark cloud over the fun spot.
Rock-a-Hoola also wasn't making any money, and the owner went into serious debt. He filed for bankruptcy. After much paperwork, legalese, and fiscal finagling, a new owner came on and gave the venue a go as Discovery Waterpark in 2002. By 2004, the park was shut for good.
The property has sat, unchanged save for the ongoing crumbling, vandalism, and illicit visitors, since then. The parts of the rides have been sold off and set up again here and there; a water slide once known as the "Big Bopper" during the Rock-a-Hoola 50s throwback rock 'n roll era is now "Colossal Canyon" at Cultus Lake Waterpark near Vancouver, Canada, for example.
It's a little dicey and intimidating, as well as strewn with broken glass, so admittedly I didn't venture too far in to take photos. If you're feeling brave, you may want to give it an exploration...but don't tell 'em we sent ya!
More reading:
Photos from 2003
Quartz City blog, 2006
"Lake Dolores: America's First Waterpark" Movie on Facebook
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.
Best of LAist