Ownership writes letter to their guests
by Dennis Rahm, letter and file photo released by Slidewaters
Like many other seasonal businesses, Slidewaters Waterpark in Chelan is making adjustments to their schedule of operations for the summer of 2020. The park traditionally opens on Memorial Day weekend, however this year the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent Stay At Home restrictions have forced the popular attraction to focus their hope on a mid-June opening
Slidewaters is also close to completing the new Lakeside Surf, which will become the world’s largest stationary surf wave.
Co-owner Robert Bordner says the timeline on completing Lakeside Surf is difficult to pin down as the project is dependent upon a crew from Germany completing the final stages of the project. Most of the work is done and according to Bordner, “once the crew arrives in Chelan, we believe we are seven to ten days away from surfing. The Lakeside Surf project includes a food truck eatery and Bordner says they are working on a plan to open the new River Run Grill in mid-May for takeout service.
Here is the complete text of a public letter from Slidewaters ownership to their guests:
To Our Valued Guests;
Thank you for taking the time to read our message during this global crisis. Since 2008, we have owned and operated Slidewaters with the goal of providing an opportunity for people to spend time together, build memories and strengthen relationships. We have done this because we believe stronger relationships give more meaning to life and enhance society as a whole. We were all made to be in relationship with each other and this summer we are planning to give that opportunity to anyone who chooses to visit Slidewaters. As we always have, we will do our best to offer the safest, friendliest and cleanest park possible.
We understand that new standards for clean and safe exist and we are prepared to make enhancements to our operations to ensure we continue to provide a clean and safe park. Since we learn more everyday about the crisis and the virus, we will do our best to remain nimble to make the best decisions possible for our guests, Team Members and business associates. To see a breakout of our current and new standards that help prevent the spread of disease and viruses visit slidewaters.com/cleanandsafe
We pray these steps will provide you the opportunity to come to Slidewaters and enjoy the company of your friends, families and other guests doing the same. We are working with the new information we received May 1st to determine our operating schedule for summer 2020. While the news was tough to handle, it also answered some prayers that we will have an operational season in 2020. Thank you for your patience as we formulate the best plan possible. Based on the current information, the latest we plan to open for the season is Monday, June 15th, and we remain hopeful that we may even be able to open sooner.
Just like us, we know some of you have been planning and making commitments for this summer since last summer ended. We are very grateful for every day pass, season pass, gift card and reservation that has already been purchased. We offer a variety of off-season specials and are always excited when our guests make an early commitment to visiting Slidewaters. While we are planning and hoping for a great summer, we understand that this crisis has already derailed many plans. Because of these circumstances, we have committed to make any purchase that is not used this summer to be valid summer 2021.
The first step back to exciting and full lives is going to be one of faith, but the good news is that everyday of your life has been full of steps of faith. We are never promised our next breath, yet every day we wake up and run into a risky world because we want to spend time doing the things we love with the people we love. We pray you find ways to catch up for lost time this summer and hope that you spend some time with us making memories and building relationships. Please never hesitate to reach out with your questions; info@slidewaters.com
Visit slidewaters.com for updated information, changes to our operational schedule and to see our preseason specials. Have a great day.
God Bless,
Burke Bordner & Robert Bordner
