The Rise, Fall and Decay

of White Water University

Water Park

What was once a thriving water park is now is just a fond remembrance of days gone by. White Water University water park has been closed since 2005, and the property is now completely and permanently closed. Although it is still standing, talk seems to have died down about re-opening. As it sits today, it is a prime example of urban and industrial decay. Driving by it on E. University Ave., it is sad to see the slides and pools, mini golf and go carts slip into ruins. With the rising popularity of aquatic centers, there will be more abandoned water parks.

The park first opened in 1980 as Smith's Super Shoot. It was developed into a destination water park attraction a few years later and given the name White Water University. The park added new features and put in Des Moines' first wave pool and lazy river.

The advertisement was inviting — "Enjoy White Water University water park with wave pool, tubing rides, water slides, lazy river, children's play pool, and hot tub. Play 18 holes of California-style golf and ride Iowa's only twin-engine go-carts. Visit the ultimate haunted house at Halloween."

The last year of operation in 2005, brought in 120,000 customers. First the water park closed, but the mini golf and go carts were open. They added a haunted house for the Halloween season that did very well. Eventually the mini golf and go carts shutdown. And finally the haunted house closed after the last season in 2013. Failing to comply with safety regulations including sprinklers and other safety improvements. Mr. Smith cited the changes as cost-prohibitive for his small business, so he decided to shut down.

And thus the park has been permanently closed. The land is currently listed by Black Acre Reality - citing these property details,

Call for pricing

5.840 acres

Great Redevelopment site for Retail and/or Office uses

Site sits Directly West of Brand new Fareway Store and Caseys General Store

Great visibility form East university

Easy accessibility to Highway 65

82,000 people live within a 5 mile Radius

White Water University Water Park is missed by so many with fond memories of carefree summers in the sun.