FEDERAL HEIGHTS, Colo. – Water World will reopen Sunday after an "unverified threat received via phone call" forced the park's evacuation on Saturday morning.
By 3 p.m. Saturday, a park official wrote in a release: "We are grateful to share that law enforcement has determined that there is no credible threat and Water World is able to re-open tomorrow, Sunday July 12."
Kellie Flowers Rowan / Community Relations Manager — Hyland Hills Park and Recreation District added "We want to say a tremendous thank you to our guests for supporting a safe and effective evacuation, and to our Team Members and local law enforcement for a swift response."
▶️ In the video player below, Denver7's Maggie Bryan listens to guests as they share how the evacuation unfolded.
Water World was evacuated Saturday morning “out of abundance of caution” following what a park official later described as the “unverified threat received via phone call."
During an afternoon press briefing, Federal Heights PD Commander Jason Schlenker said the evacuation was triggered after an employee received a call. "The employee immediately contacted the supervisor and the park was evacuated. No device was located – nothing of concern was found," added Schlenker.
Staff and law enforcement were able to evacuate guests within 30 to 45 minutes. Rowan, during the press briefing, said there were around 4,000 guests inside Water World at the time of the evacuation.
Federal Heights police were also on the scene as social media posts showed a crowd gathered outside of the park. Video from AirTracker 7 showed law enforcement scouring the area with dogs.
Federal Heights PD on social media told the public to “avoid the area of Pecos and 90th.” The department later said a reunification area is set up at Carstens/Camenisch Park.
Water World on social media added park employees could be picked up at the sports complex at 8650 Zuni St.
As for Saturday's guests who were forced to evacuate — they could return to Water World to claim property left behind between 4:15 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Saturday. The park advised visitors to arrive at the main entrance via 90th Avenue.
"Upon arrival, guests will be grouped based on the location of their left-behind property and escorted by staff to retrieve their property. If available, please be ready to present your ticket from today's visit. We appreciate your patience and cooperation through this process," added Rowan. "If you are unable to come today, property may be picked up tomorrow, Sunday July 12, starting at 8:00am. For Sunday pick-up, please arrive at the Learn-to-Swim Pool entrance near the red brick administration building and red banner flags. Additional information regarding reticketing from today's visit will be shared later."
Here's more information from Water World on what impacted guests should do, if returning Sunday:
- Property may be picked up Sunday July 12, starting at 8:00am. Please arrive at the Learn-to-Swim Pool entrance near the red brick administration building and red banner flags, and present your July 11 ticket if available.
- If you purchased a pick-a-date ticket or scanned a day ticket for park entry on/for July 11: Present your ticket(s) at the blue tent in front of the Main Entrance Guest Services another day this season for park entry.
- If you had a Group Event, Birthday Party, Cabana or Bungalow for July 11: Our team will reach out to the purchaser directly on July 12 for further assistance.
- Preferred Splash Pass guests: Your unused Bring-a-Friend tickets will be automatically extended to July 18. If you used a Bring a Friend ticket on July 11, please stop by the blue tent in front of the Main Entrance Guest Services.
- If you are unable to visit another date this season, have additional questions, or purchased Tube Valet, for July 11, please open a Guest Service help desk ticket here for additional assistance.
There was no other information available as to the investigation.
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