Officials with Water World say record summer temperatures have led to high attendance numbers following a banner '07 season that saw 560,000 people pass through the gates.
Currently, the popular water park is about 2,000 people shy of last year's mark, said
Joann Saitta, communications director for Water World.
"We think we're going to break out about where we were last year, but we hope to do better,"
Saitta said, adding that higher gas prices have led some residents to stay closer to home this year.
It might be difficult to break that record, however, since Water World is scheduled to close a little early this season due to early school starts.That means many of the park's concession stand workers and lifeguards -- made up of approximately 1,000 area kids -- will be busy hitting the books.
"It certainly takes a bite out of our employee base," she said.
Some of Water World's full-time employees will be pitching in after the student base leaves for the summer, Saitta said.
Water World, part of the Hyland Hills Recreation District, is celebrating its unofficial 30th anniversary this year. The park opened in earnest in August 1979, two months behind schedule.
Next year will mark the park's 30th full season, Saitta said.
The park also celebrated the completion of the $4 million Big Top this year, which is designed especially for families. The 8,600 square-foot, circus-themed area features a mini-lazy river, a water play area and the Turbo Racer ride.