NEWS RELEASE: City of San José Announces Temporary Closure of the Water Park Formerly Known as CaliBunga/Raging Waters and Community Activation Plan for This Summer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT
Ed Bautista, Communications Manager, Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services Department
408-460-4468; [email protected]

City of San José Announces Temporary Closure of the Water Park Formerly Known as CaliBunga/Raging Waters and Community Activation Plan for This Summer

SAN JOSE, Calif. (June 11, 2026) - Beginning this summer, the water park formerly known as CaliBunga/Raging Waters will temporarily close. The City is encouraged by the future potential opportunity to reimagine Lake Cunningham Regional Park with a state-of-the-art water park, expanded aquatic amenities, and innovative interactive play areas designed to serve visitors of all ages.

Although water park operations will be suspended during this period, the City remains committed to ensuring that the site continues to serve as a destination for residents and visitors through a series of community-focused activations and events.

"For more than 40 years, Lake Cunningham's water park has been where San José families go to beat the heat," said Mayor Matt Mahan. "Despite a temporary closure, our commitment is to keep this park active now and build an aquatic destination worthy of the next generation."

The selected proposer, Lakeside Partners, will continue working on plans and improvements necessary to reopen the water park in the coming summers. During this time, portions of the park including the Action Sports Park will remain open and host a variety of community programming and special events.

"As someone who grew up spending summers at the Water Park, I know how much this place means to our community. While I'm disappointed it won't open this season, I'm excited about the opportunity to reimagine this beloved East Side jewel and ensure it continues creating memories for generations to come. In the meantime, I look forward to the activations and community programming that will keep this special place vibrant and connected to residents," said Councilmember Domingo Candelas.

Planned Community Activations
The proposer is planning a series of activities that will bring residents to the park this summer. Here are some of the activations that are being discussed for this summer:

• Agua Fiesta (Water Fun Days)
• Circus Bella
• Live Concert Series
• Kids' Maker Events
• Skate Punk Shows
• BMX Movie Nights
• Summer Swim at Overfelt, Mt. Pleasant, and Silver Creek high schools

These activations are intended to ensure that the park continues to serve as a gathering place for residents while construction is underway. As details are finalized, we will update the Lake Cunningham Regional Park website listed below.

Residents can visit www.sanjoseca.gov/sjswim to find recreational swim schedules, pool information, and local fun resources to dive into from City pools to nearby aquatic destinations.

You can also go to https://www.sanjoseca.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/2255/2028 for updates and activation information at Lake Cunningham Regional Park for this summer.

About the City of San José
With almost 1 million residents, San José is one of the most diverse large cities in the United States and is Northern California's largest city and the 13th largest city in the nation. San José's transformation into a global innovation center has resulted in one of the largest concentrations of technology companies and expertise in the world.

About Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services
The City of San José Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department (PRNS) oversees ten regional parks, over 200 neighborhood parks, more than 40 community centers, and 65 miles of trail. It has one of the most diverse service models of any agency of its type. For more information, please visit www.sanjoseca.gov/prns.

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