Request for Information - Submission of Ideas to Operate the Wave Waterpark in Vista, California

This RFI is issued to gather information and ideas related to the future operation of the Wave Waterpark, located in the City of Vista. The City of Vista (City) does not intend to award a contract based on information received in response to this RFI. The City may, in its sole discretion, consider the information submitted in response to this RFI during the development of a competitive solicitation.

The City is considering various options for the future of the Wave Waterpark. One option under consideration is for the Wave Waterpark to be privately operated. In order to collect more information about this option, the City is issuing this RFI as an opportunity for qualified companies to share information and ideas about ways in which the Wave Waterpark could be privately managed and operated to enhance the visitor experience, improve operational efficiency, and preserve community access.

The Wave Waterpark opened in 1994 and is located at 101 Wave Drive, Vista, Ca 92083 (APN 164-205-17). (Attachment A: Map of 8.4-acre Property.) The Wave Waterpark is over 100,000 square feet with over 44,000 square feet of concrete deck and 18,000 square feet of natural and artificial turf. The facility has 126 parking spaces and three (3) ADA accessible parking spaces. The Wave Waterpark has the following outdoor bodies of water:

• A 25-yard x 25-meter competition pool
• A spray ground
• An activity pool with a lazy river, slide entrance to river and surf simulator (FlowRider®)
• A slide-receiving pool with four (4) waterslides

Additional facilities include:

• Parking lot and entrance building
• Locker (changing) rooms with showers and restrooms
• Kitchen
• Picnic tables
• Two concessions stands
• Cabana rentals
• Big Squirt!® water toy fill station
• Offices

The Wave Waterpark is the municipal pool in Vista which operates year-round and offers a wide range of community programs including swim team rentals, swim meets, swim lessons, splash camps, Junior Lifeguards, FlowRider® classes, birthday party rentals, private rentals and field trips. (Attachment B: Wave Waterpark Annual Calendar and Attachment C: Wave Waterpark Fee Schedule.)

In 2024, there were approximately 139,100 visits to the Wave Waterpark with 62,300 total visitors (meaning that each visitor went about 2.37 times.) Season pass sales reached 2,536 (60% residents), a nearly 75% jump compared to pre-pandemic 2019. Swim lessons drew nearly 800 participants (89% residents), and over 800 children attended summer camps (47% residents).

The Wave also remains the home pool for the Rancho Buena Vista and Vista High School swim and water polo teams, which use the pool pursuant to a joint use agreement between the City and Vista Unified School District. (Attachment D.) In addition, the pool is used by numerous private clubs.

In August 2024, a Needs Assessment for the Wave Waterpark was prepared by Aquatic Design Group. (Exhibit 2 of Attachment D.) The study identified the need for significant capital investment in the Wave Waterpark to ensure its continued operation. Essential improvements consisting of repairs and upgrades to ensure safety, consistency, and code compliance were estimated to cost $3,383,532.

This estimated cost included the following improvements:

• Removal and replacement of the lower pool deck and drainage system (not including the spray ground)
• Refinishing the Lap Pool and Activity Pool (currently in process)
• Removal and replacement of in-deck signage

Additional details about the improvements needed are available in Exhibit 2 of Attachment E to this RFI.

On February 11, 2025, the City Council received the Needs Assessment and City staff asked for City Council’s direction regarding options for the future of the Wave Waterpark, including:

1. 1. Improving or restoring the Wave Waterpark with a phased approach.
   2. Repurposing the Wave Waterpark with a mix of aquatic and public park amenities.
   3. Leasing the property to a private owner to operate the Wave Waterpark.

The City Council did not select one of these three options at the February 11, 2025, City Council meeting. (Attachment E.) The City Council committed to maintaining public ownership, approved the purchase of new chlorinators, and asked to schedule a public workshop to discuss phased improvements. The workshop is scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 5:30 pm in Council Chambers at the Vista Civic Center, 200 Civic Center Drive.

After the February 11, 2025, City Council meeting, private companies contacted the City to provide information about their ideas for operating the Wave Waterpark. This RFI is an opportunity for companies to provide information about option 3, contracting with a private owner to operate the Wave Waterpark.