Corozalenos have observed for months as a new and interesting attraction is being constructed right on their bay. We shed some light on it back in January, and now, almost three months later, the Maximum Waterpark - as it is named - will soon be opened for business just in time for Easter.
But before the crowds arrive, our news team took a trip up north to learn how the park would operate while following COVID 19 restrictions. Courtney Menzies has this story.
It may not look quite ready yet, but by Saturday Belize's first water park will be opened for business. The owners are hoping that it will be a new recreational outlet for those who can't get to a beach. This one-of-a-kind attraction puts you on the waterfront right in the Corozal Bay - but it's not all that Maximum Water Park has to offer.
Marvin Humes - Owner, Maximum Waterpark "We have well rounded combination of things for the people. We got the volleyball court, we got the slide that's still kinda difficult to put on the water because Corozal does not have a crane. A lot of activities is out there on the water, we have a mechanical bull for the night-time scene, we have an upstairs eating area. We have gazebos, let's say it's gonna be packed and people want a little bit more privacy, we also have gazebos. But everything that we have we gonna make sure that it's all under social distancing."
And social distancing isn't the only protocol that will be in place in fact, during our visit to the waterpark, health officials stopped by to ensure every regulation would be adhered to.
Marvin Humes "I've had to go through some rigorous health you were here when the Health Department just left. They expect me to have distancing between how much space I have for people to come in. You gotta get your forehead checked before you come in here, you gotta rinse your hands before you used this, we got markers that make people have distance, only ten people we can have on the waterpark at a time. Literally they critiqued everything I have here to make sure if they allow me to do it, it's gonna be done in a responsible way and I plan to meet those standards."
And it was a frenzy today as the workers scrambled to put together the finishing touches on automated bathrooms, setting up the waterpark, and prepping the bar and kitchen. That's because Humes is adamant about opening in time for the Easter holidays.
Marvin Humes "Easter is very special time for Belizeans, this is something we love, and this being a salt water park type structure so this of all things that people can still have fun with without jeopardizing their health. So I just wanted to give the people, because they're gonna be swimming in the water regardless, it's just something we do for Easter, so I thought if we can get the waterpark up and running for Easter then we can still try to find some kind of breathing during this time of COVID 19."
Humes anticipates a crowd for their grand opening, so he told us how the management plans to control it including a time limit on the waterpark.
Marvin Humes "You enter to the side area after you get checked, your temperature checked, you go to the ticket booth, you buy a ticket, they'll give you a life vest and every hour and a half you have a session, 30 minutes later then you have another session. But this is very very physical activity so a lot of people I believe aren't going to see that hour and a half."
In addition, after your waterpark session ends, unless you are buying food or drinks, you'll be expected to leave the beach area.
Despite all these restrictions, Humes is proud to be bringing this one of a kind attraction to Corozal's tiny town and he said there was no better place to put it..
Marvin Humes "This thing couldn't really be done in too much other places because when the tide is rough, it's not gonna be that fun for the people. Because Corozal is a bay it is a perfect destination. And who all has visited Corozal in the past know what a safe and family friendly destination it is so we chose Corozal to build on that same premises."
According to Humes, as long as the sun is out, the waterpark will be opened 7 days a week.
Today the Belize Port Authority issued a notice to mariners that the waterpark will be conducting waterborne activities, and they are asked to navigate with extreme caution in this area. All vessels transiting the vicinity must remain at minimum 100 feet away from the structure.
