MICHAEL BRAUN

MBRAUN@NEWS-PRESS.COM

Sun Splash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral could remain closed until early next week after a fire swept through the popular attraction's main building.

A malfunctioning golf cart parked at the building likely started the early morning fire that caused about $700,000 to the structure housing a restaurant, gift shop and guest services.

City officials on Wednesday said the park would remain closed Thursday while the city works to reopen the park.

City Spokeswoman Connie Barron said Cape Coral officials were optimistic the waterpark may reopen this weekend but suggested early next week might be a more realistic.

"City staff is working to secure the site, acquire the necessary temporary facilities to place onsite and bring the computer software system back online," she said in an email. "This will enable Sun Splash to resume operations through the remainder of the season."

She said city staff will meet Thursday to review progress and determine the most likely time-frame for the park to reopen.

The fire was extinguished after a few hours and the Cape Coral Fire department remained at the park at 400 Santa Barbara Blvd. until mid-morning.

The call originally came in around 1 a.m. as a tree on fire.

Andrea Schuch, the department's public information officer, said the main building at Sun Splash was engulfed when the first Cape fire unit's arrived.

The chemicals used at the park such as chlorine were stored elsewhere on the property, reducing risk of a hazardous materials incident.

The fire appears to be accidental, said Dave Rayburn, Cape's fire marshal. The state fire marshal also was investigating the fire. The origin appears to have started near a golf cart that was housed under a canopy attached to the building.

The burned-out frame of a golf cart could be seen in the midst of the charred remains of the building.

The Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Department built and began operating Sun Splash Family Waterpark in 1992 as a recreational amenity for the community. The park entered its 24th season this year.

The park has 14 acres of rides including speed rides, a 5½ story multi-entry ride and others. It is billed as the largest such park in Southwest Florida.

The other major waterpark in Southwest Florida, Sun-N-Fun Lagoon at 15000 Livingston Road in Naples, is open. This park offers waterslides, a lazy river, a kids' water play area and diving pools.

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