The weather on the first full day of summer Thursday was unpleasant: rainy, cold, and windy.

However, these conditions were ideal for Bart Blatstein’s latest venture.

The Philadelphia developer is set to unveil Island Waterpark, a state-of-the-art indoor aquatic facility costing $100 million. This attraction is strategically designed to cater to family tourism and diversify the entertainment options in Atlantic City beyond traditional gambling activities. The city is striving to reduce its reliance on casino revenue and embrace a more varied tourism landscape.

Similar to Las Vegas, which successfully transitioned to emphasize resort amenities, entertainment, and professional sports alongside gambling, Atlantic City is now following suit with the introduction of Island Waterpark.

Scheduled to open officially on June 30, this waterpark represents a significant investment in non-gambling entertainment within the coastal resort. Recent years have seen Atlantic City and its establishments introduce various attractions such as a massive Ferris wheel, upscale dining options, and entertainment venues.

“It’s truly remarkable to see this project come to fruition,” expressed Blatstein. “I am thrilled about the potential it holds for Atlantic City residents and visitors. Families can now enjoy a wholesome experience together.”

Blatstein highlighted the fact that statistics indicate people are willing to travel up to seven hours to visit a water park. Moreover, with nine casinos, 300 top-notch restaurants, and 20,000 hotel rooms in the vicinity, the entire community stands to benefit from this new addition.

As the president of Tower Investments, Blatstein has been actively involved in diversifying Atlantic City’s offerings beyond gambling. In 2016, he acquired the Showboat, a former casino hotel, from Stockton University and transformed it into a non-gambling hotel. Subsequently, he introduced an indoor arcade and go-kart track on the premises.

While some non-gambling ventures have not yielded the desired results, such as the unsuccessful transformation of the former Pier Shops into The Playground, Blatstein remains committed to enhancing the city’s entertainment landscape.

The Island Waterpark marks a significant milestone as the first successful water park proposal in Atlantic City, amidst previous failed attempts by other investors.

Featuring 11 slides, a 1,000-square-foot surf simulator, and a lazy river, the waterpark is situated between the Showboat and the Ocean Casino Resort. Additionally, it boasts a Kids’ Cove, a 30-foot-tall treehouse available for private events, cabanas, and an adults-only nightlife section.

With ticket prices ranging from $69 to $119 per person depending on the season, discounts are offered to military personnel, first responders, and seniors.

Visitors should be aware that the parking facility is closely monitored by a private enforcement company, requiring payment before exiting the vehicle. Attendees at a recent preview event received violation notices on their vehicles, emphasizing the strict enforcement of parking regulations.