Proposal for water park near Cachuma Lake gets early approval

Cautiously enthusiastic, Santa Barbara County Supervisors have voted to conduct a feasibility study and hold public hearings on a proposal to build a water park near the campground and RV park at Lake Cachuma. According to the Lompoc Record, the project would cost an estimated 3.5 million dollars with a completion date possibly as early as 2013.

County deputy parks director Brian Roney said it would give some of the park's 720,000 annual visitors a much needed place to cool off during hot summer months. The park currently has two small public swimming pools which can only accommodate 40 - 50 people at a time. Swimming is prohibited in the lake because it serves as the public water supply for much of the county.

Roney says the plan would create a modest size water park rather than a large, Raging Rivers type facility. It would include a lazy river, a toddler's pool, a large jungle gym with some medium size water slides and perhaps one ride.