POWELLS POINT, N.C. — The unofficial start to summer - Memorial Day Weekend - is here. One way to keep cool is to head to H2OBX Waterpark in North Carolina.
The park is heading into it's third season and is all prepared for the summer crowds. General Manager Damian Dondero and the team gets their hands dirty ahead of opening day.
"It takes a team effort to get the park ready, it takes a couple months," Dondero said.
Their work doesn't stop once the gates open and the water starts streaming down the slides. The crew tests the water for alkalinity and pH balance hourly -- before, during and after operating hours. This is for the safety of the pools themselves and also for visitors.
Multiple times per day, they'll climb the stairs to check on the slide, some of which are 90 feet high. From the highest peaks in the park, you're able to see the Albermarle Sound.
If rides and slides aren't your cup of tea, there are some new additions to another department in the park.
"For this year, we’ve expanded our menu items," Dondero said.
Fried pickles, turkey legs and pizza (even an option with cauliflower crust) will all be culinary choices guests can choose from.
The park opens for the 2019 season on Saturday, May 25.