Typhoon Texas Austin is ahead of schedule for construction work to be complete by its opening date of May 27, General Manager Ty Weitzel said. Season pass holders will have a special event May 26.


The former Hawaiian Falls water park in Pflugerville is receiving more than $4.5 million in upgrades to its infrastructure and attractions.


Customers will notice many changes with a goal of providing a great experience for customers.


“The park is being updated 100 percent for kids, families and preteens,” said Weitzel, who was director of operations for the Typhoon Texas in Katy before moving his family to Pflugerville. “We’ve made a long-term commitment to growing this business with the community. We’re excited about this opportunity.”


At the beginning of 2017, Typhoon Texas became the managing partner for the water park.


During a March Pflugerville City Council meeting, Ray DeLaughter, Typhoon Texas chief financial officer, gave an update, saying the park had the sand removed and replaced by decking, piers were in place to support a new aqua play structure, $450,000 in shade structures were being installed and 600 seasonal employees were being hired.


Weitzel said a new tower with seven new slides, an 800-gallon bucket of water that douses the play area and fast passes to avoid lines will be part of the experience, along with a cashless smart park system for season passes, which links the wristband holder to a password-protected account.


“You won’t have to walk around the park to the lockers and back to the food,” Weitzel said.


“It will be much more convenient for guests.”


The food will be made fresh daily on-site with no frozen or precooked food.


“There will be real fish and chips, pizza, tacos and real meat, not a premade, processed product. It will be food you would expect at a restaurant.”


Park hours are extended with movie nights, live music and other special events planned throughout the year. Weitzel said much time and money has been spent on the infrastructure of the park.


“No one will see the attention to detail we’ve given the pumphouses, the pools and towers,” Weitzel said. “The pools will be clear, and we are protecting the facility for the long term. Our owners all have families and kids. They are creating a product here they are proud of. It’s a commitment we have to Pflugerville.”


City officials, including Amy Madison, executive director of the Pflugerville Community Development Corp., said they are pleased with the partnership they have with Typhoon Texas.


“They are making this a great water park,” Madison said. “It will be successful.”


The PCDC recently refinanced the remaining
$24 million bank loan to build the park. The PCDC owns the park’s 25 acres and equipment. Hawaiian Falls was released from its obligation after defaulting on the commitment to the PCDC, and a new deal was struck with Typhoon Texas.


Weitzel said the efficiency of construction work is a tribute to doing business with the city of Pflugerville.


“Amy Madison and [Pflugerville City Manager]Brandon Wade and his staff have been easy to work with, and we are enjoying our experience with Pflugerville,” Weitzel said. “Every city has different processes, but you can’t do a project of this size without working with good folks. Pflugerville has been great.”