Re-opened water park prepares to leave challenges in its wake as it gears up for the future

Full planning permission has been granted to kick-start plans to create a new Wake Park and Café at North Yorkshire Water Park, at Wykeham Lakes near Scarborough.

Offering a range of water and land-based sport and leisure activities, the Water Park aims to become a year round visitor destination creating 15 new full and part-time jobs.

Opening in spring 2021, the new Wake Park will be the first in North Yorkshire and an addition to the Water Park, which opened three years ago with a range of family friendly water-based activities.

Wake boarding is similar to water-skiing, with users riding a short, wide board resembling a surfboard whilst being towed by a cable and pulley system.

North Yorkshire Water Park re-opened in June for the 2020 summer season with a limited range of activities including kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, open water swimming and pedalos, which can be accessed while following social distancing guidelines.

The inflatable AquaPark, is closed for this season and is planned to re-open next year.

Andrew Backhouse, manager of North Yorkshire Water Park, said: “We’re thrilled that our plans have been given the go ahead.

“Our range of water sports activities and open water swimming have been very popular since we reopened this season and we look forward to next year when we will have the Wake Park, inflatable AquaPark and new larger café up and running.”

David Steel, newly appointed chief executive of The Dawnay Estates, said: “This year has been challenging for everyone in the tourism and leisure sector.

“However, we are very pleased with the support we have received since our re-opening as people enjoy the lake activities, woodland walks, fishing and the scenery.

“We are delighted our plans have been approved so we can start planning ahead for next year and building for the future.”

Janet Deacon, tourism and corporate marketing manager at Scarborough Borough Council, said: “It’s great to see North Yorkshire Water Park expanding into an all-year round visitor destination with the first Wake Park in North Yorkshire.

“When the Wake Park opens next year, it will bring a fantastic boost to the local economy giving locals and holiday makers a beautiful and fun place to enjoy the natural environment. We look forward to seeing the plans take shape.”