IB Parks Acquires Big Kahuna’s Water Park

[MaxxForceFan]

https://ibparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Press-Release-Big-Kahunas.pdf

RELEASE DATE: 12/20/2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IB Parks & Entertainment Expands Portfolio with Big Kahuna’s Water Park Acquisition


West Berlin, NJ – IB Parks & Entertainment today announced the addition of Big Kahuna’s Water Park in West Berlin, New Jersey, to its growing family of attractions. Formerly known as Sahara Sam’s Oasis, Big Kahuna’s Water Park offers year-round, island-inspired fun for families across the tri-state region.

The park boasts over 70,000 square feet of water attractions under a state-of-the-art retractable roof, as well as a seasonal outdoor water park. Conveniently located just 20 minutes east of Philadelphia, PA, and 45 minutes west of Atlantic City, Big Kahuna’s assortment of indoor and outdoor attractions make it a premier destination for year-round water-themed entertainment.

“We are excited to welcome Big Kahuna’s Water Park to the IB Parks family,” said Gene Staples, CEO of IB Parks & Entertainment. “This acquisition aligns perfectly with our growth strategy, and we see great potential for collaboration with our nearby Clementon Park location to provide our guests with options to visit both Big Kahuna’s year round water attractions and the outdoor fun at Clementon Park.”


IB Parks & Entertainment owns and operates a diverse portfolio of theme parks, water parks, and accommodations across multiple states. In addition to Big Kahuna’s Water Park, the company’s portfolio includes Indiana Beach Amusement & Water Park Resort, along with IB Campground and Indiana Beach KOA in Monticello, Indiana, Clementon Park & Splash World, located in Clementon, New Jersey and Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World, located in Grand Island, New York

 

[GASM]

Definitely an odd acquisition. I guess Gene thought only fixing up one grimy South Jersey park was too easy lol

 

[Dupa Jas]

Check out the big brain on Gene.

 

[Zachary]

Definitely an odd acquisition.

To be fair, this place is practically right next door to Clementon and I'm sure it was their biggest water park competitor. There are likely enormous cost savings to be realized by operating both of them together with unified management, maintenance, supply chains, etc. It stands to make the pass product far more valuable too—and more likely to compete with larger-scale regional competitors for folk's money I imagine. A pass that lets you go to Clementon when the weather is nice and Big Kahuna when it's not seems like a major win.

Maybe Gene can complete his collection by buying Diggerland next?

 

[GASM]

Oh it totally makes sense business wise, it’s just that they’re both parks I had written off ever going to again lol.

Completely forgot Diggerland even existed. Lived 20 mins away from it for most of the time it’s been open and had no clue where it was until I drove past it once taking an alternate route to the AMTRAK station nearby.

 

[Great Adventurer]

Having never stepped foot in the old Sahara Sam's, Diggerland is the first thing I thought of when I saw this. Definitely more oriented towards a family audience (especially now that Diggerland XL is discontinued - RIP to my friend's dream of having his bachelor party there and crushing cars, lol) but far and away one of the most unique parks I've ever visited! Really creative use of construction equipment to simulate amusement rides, and the stunt show using heavy machinery was a sight to behold when they had it.

I never realized how close this place and Clementon are. That's a supply chain dream and an easy reroute when there's inclement weather (especially if they decide to implement some sort of cross-honoring for tickets).