Adventure Oasis Water Park Permanently Closed

City Council Votes to Close Adventure Oasis

The City of Independence has made the difficult decision to close Adventure Oasis Water Park permanently.

Why Was Adventure Oasis Closed?

The decision to close Adventure Oasis was based on several key factors:

• Ongoing Financial Losses: Since 2019, the park has operated at a loss of more than $435,000 per year.
• Limited Operating Season: As a facility open for only 12 weeks per year, revenue was not enough to cover operational and maintenance costs.
• High Repair Costs: An estimated $8.4 million in capital improvements would have been needed to meet health and safety codes and remain competitive with nearby water parks. To open for the 2025 season, the City would have needed to invest $1.3 million in immediate safety repairs.
• Aging Infrastructure: The park has not added new water features since it opened in 2005, making it difficult to attract new visitors and remain competitive with other area facilities.

Community Engagement and Decision Process

On October 14, 2024, the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism staff presented a detailed report on Adventure Oasis to the City Council Study Session. The report outlined financial losses, infrastructure needs, and challenges in sustaining the park long-term. Based on these findings, the staff recommended closing the park.

Presentation link: City Council Study Session • Agendas & Minutes • CivicClerk

Study Session video: Study Session 10/14/2024

Attendance Trends

In recent years, attendance at Adventure Oasis has remained steady but has not been enough to offset costs:

• 2022: 43,000 visitors (Independence residents only)
• 2023: 44,800 visitors (Independence residents only)
• 2024: 45,700 visitors (open to all guests)

Even in its busiest seasons—when the park welcomed more than 65,000 visitors—operating costs exceeded revenue.

Next Steps

The City of Independence remains committed to providing high-quality recreational opportunities for our residents. While Adventure Oasis will not reopen, we will continue to explore ways to enhance parks, recreational facilities, and programs for all to enjoy.

For updates on City parks and recreation programs, please visit:
independencemo.gov/parksandrec