The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas’ 41st Anniversary of Independence will see the opening of the country’s first ever theme park.

The brainchild of Patrick Ferguson, the Adventure World Discovering the Waters theme park is getting set to open its first phase in the upcoming weeks.

The theme park will be constructed in several phases, with the first segment being an amusement park. This first section is scheduled to open for the Independence Day celebrations and is located on Tonique Williams-Darling Highway. The park will be open from 12pm to 12am daily.

According to Mr Ferguson, the amusement park will consist of family friendly rides with animated characters, food and beverage carts and other fun additions.

With not many options available in New Providence for fun family outings, Mr Ferguson said the Adventure World theme park will change the landscape of entertainment in the Bahamas.

“This is something that Bahamians on the whole have been asking for; a destination where they and their families can enjoy themselves. At this time we are looking to open on July 10 and it is an historical move because it will mark more than 50 years of the Bahamas not having a theme park. Now Bahamians can actually say they have their own version of Disney World that they can call their wonderland theme park,” he said.

Over the past 10 months, Mr Ferguson said he has been working diligently to see the dream he has had for so long finally come to fruition.

“The idea came about because of dreams the Lord has shown as it relates to this project, given my past work history and the jobs that I have done. I have spent some time working at Kerzner International where I served as the operations manager and played a pivotal part in managing the water park operations from phases 1-3. I was part of that transition in setting the rules and regulations for the park. I saw many times when local Bahamians wanted to come on board but were not given the opportunity to enter the park because of the pricing,” he said.

“While working there I realised that the Bahamas does not have a water park or theme park to call their own, and it inspired me some 10 months ago to bring this to light. I know it was not an easy road, but now we are ready to operate and are looking for the support of the Bahamas,” he said.

The second phase of the park will be the Water World section and is scheduled to open in December. Water World will consist of water rides such as the Blue Hole, the Lazy River and other slides for adults and children and more.

To make this phase of the park operational, 300 plus persons will be hired to work in varying capacities.

When all phases are completed by 2018, the theme park is expected to employ more that seven 7,000 persons in the areas of hospitality in the hotel and condominium are of the park, in the soccer and basketball facilities, and at all of the other areas that will be coming on-stream.

Mr Ferguson said he has been in communication with companies all across the world to ensure the theme park meets international standards.

In keeping with their slogan, “Come Grow With Us”, the Adventure World Discovering the Waters theme park’s board of directors are inviting the public to become a part of this venture by purchasing their tickets early.  

“The advance passes help to facilitate the vision and allow our investors to be ready to support the park. It will allow us to move forward without any contribution,” he said.

Early tickets are available at the old Customs building in Oakes Field.

The theme park’s board of directors include: Tyrone Sweeting (head of security), Paula Gibson (director of sales), Phillip Johnson (director of engineering), Belinda Chipman (vice-president of operations), Andre Hearon (recreation and sports); Dominic Gull (international sales and marketing), Allen Chisholm (entertainment and graphic design), Marvin Gordon (family time) Regina Whyly (senior vice-president of marketing), and Debra Morgan (vice-president of marketing).