Waterplay unveils plans for Waterplay World

Rattlesnake Island has built a reputation on big ideas that never quite made it off the ground. That may be about to change, as Waterplay World™— a proposed immersive aquatic play destination—sets its sights on transforming the Okanagan’s most storied island.  

Waterplay® has partnered with the Government of British Columbia, which owns the island, to advance the concept and position the project as a catalyst for tourism in the Okanagan.  

Drawing on Rattlesnake Island’s history as a former amusement park with big dreams and unrealized potential, the concept reimagines the island as a place where innovation, community, imagination and fun converge—at a scale that is hard to ignore. It was this opportunity that drew the interest of Waterplay’s president and owner, Jill White. 

“Rattlesnake Island has always been surrounded by stories—about what it was, and what it might one day become,” said White.“We saw an opportunity to finally bring that vision to life in a way only Waterplay could.

“Waterplay World is about thinking bigger, pushing further, and creating an experience that feels almost unreal—until you’re standing in the middle of it, or under our custom 10,000-litre peach Mega Soaker. To be able to deliver a project like that here in the Okanagan, where we live, work, and play, makes it that much more special.”

Waterplay is working closely with the Government of British Columbia and mobilizing its teams—from design and engineering to manufacturing—to deliver an immersive, larger-than-life destination that integrates with the island’s natural landscape while delivering a distinctly Waterplay experience.  

Every element of the park was designed to showcase Waterplay’s full range of product innovation, theming and customization capabilities.  

With sustainability at its core, Waterplay World will operate on a closed-loop water recirculation system and use solar-powered lighting to extend the experience into the evening, ensuring long-term impact while respecting the surrounding environment. 

Waterplay products are showcased at a scale and intensity never seen before—transforming familiar favourites into massive play experiences that blur the line between splash pad mainstays and a world-class destination.  

The giant Sand Shell takes a Waterplay classic to new heights, offering a sweeping, rideable feature where visitors can climb, slide, and play with the interactive weirs as they descend along its expansive curves. 

Across the island, a continuous lazy river transports guests on a journey around Rattlesnake Island, drifting through zones packed full of play. A custom shimmering gold spraying pyramid pays homage to the original design of the 1970s theme park from developer Eddy Haymour, which featured an Egyptian-style pyramid of its own.  

Anchoring the Waterplay World experience are bold, story-driven features inspired by the island itself, including the only product not designed by Waterplay, a massive winding rattlesnake waterslide that dares visitors to dive into its jaws, twisting and sliding across the terrain before being spit out into Okanagan Lake.  

Waterplay World has successfully advanced through early-stage concept development, with next steps focused on formal approvals, including provincial review, environmental permitting, and further stakeholder consultation. 

Pending approvals, construction could begin as early as next summer, bringing one of the Okanagan’s most ambitious ideas one step closer to reality. Or at the very least, making a very big splash.