More than 250 people – including community groups, businesses, schoolchildren and paratroopers – were the first to take on a brand new inflatable obstacle course, which is now open in Suffolk.
Aqua Park Suffolk launched at Alton Water, near Holbrook, for its first summer season today, with special guest Michaela Doherty of Jimmy’s Farm cutting the ribbon to officially open the attraction.
The East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA), which is Aqua Park Suffolk’s chosen charity, also attended with a critical care paramedic to show their support for the event and offer some first aid training.
The floating inflatable, which is 8,000 square metres, features 72 obstacles, including climbing walls, trampolines, balance bars, rockers, rollers and the UK’s biggest slides.
It is open now until September 9.
Michaela Doherty, managing director of Jimmy’s Farm, said: “As a fellow local business, I was delighted to support the launch of Aqua Park Suffolk, and think it is a fantastic addition to the area’s local attractions.
“As a mum myself, the park is ideal for families looking for a fun and active experience to enjoy together this summer.
“I’m sure the park will attract lots of local people looking for something a little bit different during the school holidays.”
Mark Milsom, critical care paramedic and training manager at EAAA, said; “We are so honoured to have been chosen as the charity to support by Aqua Park Suffolk.
“We are a community funded charity so every donation made helps us keep our helicopters in the sky, taking critical care to the patients who need it.
“It’s also been great to see everyone out here having so much fun enjoying this fantastic facility, while knowing that the funds they have raised could help save someone’s life.
“Thank you so much to Aqua Park Suffolk for nominating us as their chosen charity, and fingers crossed for a great summer.”
Organisers say that due to the high interest already received, visitors are encouraged to pre-book at www.aquaparksuffolk.co.uk to avoid disappointment.
Tickets for the park are priced at £20 for a 50-minute session on the water.
Visitors to Aqua Park Suffolk need to be ready for the physical challenge and must be aged eight and over 1.2 metres tall and able to swim 50 metres unaided in a buoyancy vest to take part.
Buoyancy vests are provided, and wet suits are included in the ticket price.
Richard Drinkwater, co-founder of Aqua Park Suffolk, said: “It was great to see so many local people try out the park for the first time and we are expecting to see many more enjoy the experience throughout the summer.
“As a new business in Suffolk, we were delighted that Michaela was on hand to help us open the park and welcome us to the area.
“It is also important to us that we support local causes and so it was our pleasure to help The East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) raise money and get the word out about the importance of learning basic first aid and CPR.”
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