Cowabunga Bay Henderson closes after 12 years

Cowabunga Bay in Henderson will not reopen for the 2027 summer season. The waterpark, which has operated in the community for 12 years, will close its doors to shift operations entirely to Cowabunga Canyon in Summerlin. Park leadership announced the decision on the company's social media accounts on Monday, October 26, 2026.

Cade Vereen, vice president of operations for Cowabunga, stated that the move is designed to streamline the company's business activities. When asked if the closure resulted from financial trouble, water availability issues, or a specific incident, park leadership denied all three possibilities. Vereen described the consolidation as the best option for the brand at this time. The announcement generated significant public response, with more than 1,000 comments posted on the park's Facebook page within days of the release.

Local residents who relied on the Henderson location expressed surprise at the explanation. Jim, a grandfather who regularly takes his grandson to the park, questioned the term streamlining. He suggested that economic factors or water shortages would be more standard reasons for a closure, but he noted that the current explanation lacked clarity. He urged the company's owners to provide a more detailed public statement regarding the specific drivers of the decision.

Residents living near the Summerlin location have raised concerns about the increased traffic and density. Annie Morris, who lives near Cowabunga Canyon, said the area is densely packed with family homes. She described the presence of a large waterpark in the middle of the neighborhood as feeling unbalanced, particularly given the high number of children in the surrounding streets. Commenters on social media also cited parking availability and road congestion as primary worries for the coming seasons.

Park leadership maintains that Cowabunga Canyon will provide guests with a new and engaging experience. However, several visitors interviewed by local media expressed frustration. One guest noted that options for children in the area are already limited, and removing the Henderson park creates additional challenges for busy parents seeking weekend activities. The closure removes a key recreational option for families in the southern part of the valley.

The company has provided a link for season ticket holders to review their options for refunds or transfers. Leadership stated that the park intends to transfer as many seasonal employees from the Henderson site as possible. The company encourages former staff members to apply for positions at the Summerlin location to maintain continuity in its workforce.

The closure marks the end of a 12-year run for Cowabunga Bay. The shift in operations is complete for the 2026 season, and the Henderson site will remain closed through the 2027 summer months.