Bushnell, FL (352today.com) – The closure of Wild Waters in Silver Springs back in 2016 left a void for water park enthusiasts in Ocala and surrounding areas, but a new development in Bushnell is set to fill that gap. The upcoming Twisted Turtle Splash Resort, part of the I-75 Commerce Park project, promises a much-anticipated revival of regional aquatic fun.
Spanning 70 acres near Interstate 75, the project will transform the area with a mix of housing, entertainment, and hospitality offerings, highlighted by a regional water park. While not on the scale of major theme parks, the Twisted Turtle Splash Resort is expected to draw families from up to 30 miles away.
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“While it won’t be a huge water park, it should attract people from within a 30-mile radius,” said Dave Moffett, spokesman for the investor group behind the project.
With two-thirds of the water park’s business projected to come from local visitors, the Twisted Turtle is poised to provide affordable family fun while boosting the area’s economy. Morgan Wilson, assistant city manager for Bushnell, emphasized the project’s community impact:
“Instead of traveling out of town for fun, families will now have access to affordable entertainment right in their backyard.”
While the residential component of the resort is scheduled to open in summer 2025, the water park is slated to debut in summer 2026, bringing new energy and excitement to the region.