Colorado’s first and largest water park has officially unveiled its biggest expansion in more than four decades.
July 16, 2026 — Colorado, United States — Summit Canyon, a new 2.5-acre expansion at Hyland Hills’ Water World, introduces nine new water slides, leisure and activity pools, an expansive children’s play area, expanded food and beverage offerings, and new opportunities for community programming and special events.
The expansion is the latest in a partnership spanning more than three decades between Water World and ProSlide. Over the past two years, the two teams worked closely to create an attraction mix that complements the park’s existing lineup while introducing entirely new experiences for guests.
At the heart of Summit Canyon is the 60-foot-tall Lookout Tower, home to four signature ProSlide ride experiences. Marmot Mayhem introduces the region’s first HIVE 20, while Aspen Falls brings Denver its first SkyBOX with TurboTWISTER. The tower also features the translucent TWISTER Columbine Cascade and Runoff Rapids, a SwitchBACK with TORNADO 18 tubing experience.
Beyond the tower, Summit Canyon expands the experience for Water World’s youngest guests. Critter Cove, a 7,500-square-foot children’s play area, features five nature-themed ProSlide KIDZ rides alongside interactive water play, creating a dedicated experience designed specifically for families with younger children.
Designed to operate as part of Water World and as a standalone destination for shoulder seasons, community programming, private rentals, and special events, Summit Canyon provides the park with greater operational flexibility while expanding access for local families.
“We looked at this project differently,” said Bob Owens, Deputy Director of Enterprise Operations for Hyland Hills. “We wanted family-friendly attractions, something different than we already had elsewhere in the park, and we wanted to elevate the kids’ experience. The HIVE checked that box for us. It’s innovative, unique to our region, and gives guests something they haven’t experienced before.”
Throughout the project, ProSlide and Water World refined the attraction mix and overall design through multiple iterations to balance innovation, guest experience, operational efficiency, and long-term value.
“From the beginning, this project was about getting it right,” said Phil Hayles, SVP, Business Development & Strategic Accounts at ProSlide. “Every conversation focused on finding the right mix of experiences for Water World and creating something that made sense for their guests, their operations, and their long-term vision. Seeing Summit Canyon come to life is a testament to what can be achieved through true collaboration.”
For Owens, the partnership extends well beyond opening day.
“You buy rides for innovation, capacity, and exciting new experiences, but service and support are just as important,” Owens said. “We know the relationship doesn’t end when the ribbon is cut, and that’s been part of our history with ProSlide.”
More than 30 years into their partnership, Summit Canyon is a major step forward for Hyland Hills’ Water World and ProSlide – a destination built around the evolving needs of the park, its operations, and the families it serves.
