First look inside Rhyl's SC2 on day of preview session

The Journal enjoyed a first look inside Rhyl’s SC2 on Thursday, March 14.

Today (Friday, March 15) the £15million water park is opening its doors to residents that have been lucky enough to snap up preview tickets ahead of the waterpark’s opening on April 5.

Inside the new SC2 waterpark in Rhyl. Pictures: Geoff Abbott

More than 3,500 free tickets have been given out to residents in the community and about 12,000 online applications were received. The soft testing sessions are also being held throughout the weekend. 

During Thursday's tour, the Journal were shown the bright reception area and the Rainforest Diner to the left - complete with monkey themed wallpaper. This caters for 150 people.

Fantastic features inside the SC2 waterpark

To the other side of the reception is the entrance to the Tag Active arena.

There is Tag Junior (green in colour) and Tag Active (red) for grown ups.

Tag Junior is the first in the UK and Tag Active is the first in Wales.

The Boomerang. Picture: Geoff Abbott

There are four floors and participants will need to find the computer-controlled tags and collect points on their wristband sensor. There are 25 activities that test both mental and physical ability, skill and strategy.

Johnathan Leigh, tag supervisor at SC2, said: “There are different levels of difficulty.

“I would say the most challenging activity is the Quarter Pipe. It is very high and people have to run up and try and reach the top to score the most points. I would say the strategy is to run diagonally.

Modern facilities inside the changing village

“The other difficult one is the Cyber Tower [visitors can race against themselves or against friends by climbing the timed vertical obstacle]."

The journey into the water park itself starts with the changing village.

Visitors will be asked to remove their shoes as they venture towards the main space.

Showers inside the changing village

There are a row of showers as well as a coin operated dryer.

The first ride to take advantage of is the Boomerang.

Adventure seekers will shoot down an inflatable tube and will zoom up the boomerang. Riders will then sway back and forth until coming to a rest in the centre of the slide and water.

No towel? No problem with this state-of-the-art drying machine

The next slide to try is the Speedster - a three lane side - before the Anaconda. This is described as a high speed wave ride which zooms through the darkness.

A spokesperson for the attraction, which has been funded by Denbighshire County Council with contributions from Rhyl Town Council and the Welsh Government, said: “The attraction appeals to all ages.

"For the soft testing sessions, the oldest person we have is someone aged 70. It that type of place where you can come with all generations of the family.

The start of the TAGactive play arena multi-level play zone, top. The Quarter Pipe is one of the most challenging activities. Picture: Geoff Abbott

“The other difficult one is the Cyber Tower [visitors can race against themselves or against friends by climbing the timed vertical obstacle]."

The journey into the water park itself starts with the changing village.

Visitors will be asked to remove their shoes as they venture towards the main space.

There are a row of showers as well as a coin operated dryer.

Colourful reception desk inside SC2

The first ride to take advantage of is the Boomerang.

Adventure seekers will shoot down an inflatable tube and will zoom up the boomerang. Riders will then sway back and forth until coming to a rest in the centre of the slide and water.

The next slide to try is the Speedster - a three lane side - before the Anaconda. This is described as a high speed wave ride which zooms through the darkness.

The exterior of SC2 in Rhyl

A spokesperson for the attraction, which has been funded by Denbighshire County Council with contributions from Rhyl Town Council and the Welsh Government, said: “The attraction appeals to all ages.

"For the soft testing sessions, the oldest person we have is someone aged 70. It that type of place where you can come with all generations of the family.

"The jets on the Boomerang really push the rubber ring right up towards the top of the slide. They are really powerful."

A view of the Anaconda. Picture: Geoff Abbott

All slides have a height restriction of 1.2metres.

There is also a water wheel and a Piranha Play area for little ones and an outdoor splashpad.

Councillor Bobby Feeley, Cabinet Lead Member for Well-being and Independence, said:  “We are extremely proud of this exciting visitor attraction and new addition to the Denbighshire Leisure portfolio of first class facilities. We think it is only right that residents of the local area are the first to experience it for themselves.

Fancy going down on of these slides?

“We are working hard towards our deadline, but at the moment, some things are not in place or up and running. For example, some of the technology is still in the process of being installed, so you won’t be able to fast track into the centre. 

"We are also busy on the artwork and theming of the various areas.

“We will listen to the feedback and make sure we’re as ready as we can be to welcome our first guests on April 5. 

"This will be a fantastic attraction for the people of Rhyl, Denbighshire and for the wider North Wales region. There is great anticipation ahead of the opening and work will continue until we open the doors in April.”

Chief reporter Suzanne Kendrick inside Rhyl's new £15m SC2 waterpark

Rhyl mayor, councillor Win Mullen-James, said: "SC2 will put Rhyl on the map making it a destination for visitors but also giving residents a new facility to explore and enjoy.

"The take up for the taster sessions had been amazing and we are glad that local people will be given a sneak preview and the chance to discover SC2 for themselves.’’

Those who were unsuccessful in applying for preview tickets will receive a discount to the waterpark and adventure centre via email, as a thank you for applying.

Visit www.sc2rhyl.co.uk/waterpark for tickets and prices. 

Let us know if you are one of the people attending the taster sessions and how you got on! Email suzanne.kendrick@newsquest.co.uk