Wakeboard Park in Chandler

Photo Credit to arturodonate on Flicker

There is some great news for anyone in the East Valley who loves to wakeboard, water ski or even kneeboard, but doesn’t have the boat or equipment to do so. Chandler is bringing Arizona’s first full-size cable wakeboard park to the city in the spring of 2012. 1440 Cable Factory, the Wakeboarding Park’s owner and operator, signed a 25-year lease with the City of Chandler agreeing to build a 26-Acre public Wakeboard Park. They will be expanding Chandler’s Tumble Weed Park to include the Wakeboard Park directly west of the existing facility, which is located south of Germann Rd. and west of McQueen Rd.

There will be 2 lakes built at the park, one for beginners (a 6-acre straight-a-way training lake) and one for experienced wakeboarders (a 10-acre man-made triangular shaped lake). Beginners can choose to use a dry start (starting on the dock vs. being in the water) and advanced wakeboarders will have the chance to catch some air by using the wake or manmade ramps and rails. They will have a pulley system that will tow up to 8 wakeboarders, skiers or kneeboarders around the water park. There will be a 30,000 square foot facility with an equipment rental shop, ticket sales, pro shop, boat showroom, rock climbing wall, lounge, restaurant and bar.

Of course, usage of the park will not come free. You will be able to purchase hourly, daily or night (Friday and Saturday) sessions or a yearly membership. You will also be able to get lessons or rent any equipment you might need including wakeboards, helmets, wet suits and life jackets. The only thing you will need to bring with you is a bathing suit.

If you are not much of a wakeboarder, but want to go watch your friends and family jump the ramps or ride the rails, they will have beachfront access for observers (there is a $5 spectator fee) with both lakes featuring 6 volleyball courts and 30 cabanas serving food and drinks. Riders under 6 will not be allowed on the lakes and any rider under 18 needs to have a liability waiver signed by a parent/guardian.

The Wakeboard Park is expected to attract regional and national events including a World Wakeboard Association competition as well as hosting Arizona Wakeboard Association events. It will also provide several jobs and some much needed revenue for the City of Chandler.

For more information about the new Wakeboard Park, check out the following websites:

http://www.1440cablefactory.com/home or http://chandleraz.gov/.