Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure, Amusement and water park in Bessemer, Alabama, United States
Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure is an amusement and water park in Bessemer that combines traditional thrill rides with water attractions spread across extensive grounds. The facility features roller coasters, water slides, and attractions designed for different age groups and preferences.
VisionLand was built by the West Jefferson Amusement and Public Park Authority, formed by eleven cities with backing from the Alabama Legislature, which borrowed $60 million; construction began in March 1997 and the park opened on May 23, 1998. After Chapter 9 bankruptcy in 2002, Southland Entertainment Group bought it for $5.25 million. The amusement section closed on April 5, 2012, leaving the water park, renamed Splash Adventure; Koch Family Parks bought it in March 2014.
The park's name changed with its ownership: VisionLand became Alabama Adventure in 2006, then Splash Adventure in 2012 when the amusement section closed. Its summer concert series hosted acts such as Jesse McCartney, Aly & AJ and Raven-Symoné. The Star Theater opened in 2010 for the indoor show Beat Street.
The amusement park section closed on 5 April 2012, so the site now operates as a water park only, renamed Splash Adventure for that season. Visitors should plan around water attractions such as Kahuna Waves wave pool and Acapulco Drop, a nine-story free-fall slide. The park sits in Bessemer, southwest of Birmingham.
The UpSurge water slide features an unusual vertical half-pipe design that creates a weightless sensation for riders. This distinctive element makes the experience something few visitors encounter at other water parks.
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