1950s Beach Lifestyle Sets Tone For Knott's Soak City USA

Buena Park, CA -- Herbie Haster surfboards. The legendary Corky Carroll. The Big Kahuna. Gidget. The unmistakable sounds of Jan & Dean.

Clearly no era typifies the Southern California beach lifestyle better than the 1950s and early 1960s. And it is this legendary retro look and feel that designers have sought to capture at the new Knott's Soak City U.S.A. water park opening June 17 adjacent to Knott's Theme Park in Buena Park and at a second park of the same name now open in Chula Vista south of San Diego.

"We knew we wanted something entirely different from every other water park in the area," explained Knott's VP and General Manager Jack Falfas. "And then it hit us: what better theme for our Southern California water adventure parks than the celebrated Southern California beach lifestyle itself?"

To this end, Knott's designers have incorporated local flavor into every corner of the park. Ride and attraction names like Malibu Run, Old Man Falls and Laguna Storm Watch Tower pay tribute to legendary Orange and Los Angeles County surf towns and beaches. Woodies, longboards and other 1 950s surfing paraphernalia punctuate the landscape. And surf music fills the air.

"Now families no longer have to wrestle with the question of whether to visit the local beach or the local water park," explains Operations Manager Raul Rehnborg. "At Knott's Soak City U.S.A., we give them both."

Where a Knott's Berry Farm parking lot once stood, a giant Southern California beach scene provides the whimsical backdrop for the endless breakers of the 750,000-gallon Tidal Wave Bay. A 1950s surfer statue "hanging ten" inside the Main Gate serves as a central park landmark. Even Knott's Soak City U.S.A.'s food facilities - Edison Electric Grill, The Big Kahuna and Salty Dogs featuring Farmer John hot dogs, among others -- reflect the local beach theme.

And for visitors wanting a permanent keepsake, the Wipeout! Surf Shop stocks both current and retro surfwear as well as signature Soak City U.S.A. clothing and souvenirs emblazoned with the park's multi-colored logo.

In all, Knott's Soak City U.S.A. boasts 16 beach-themed tube, body and speed slides; wave pool with sunning beach; lazy river; kid's water playground activity area; and three-story interactive water funhouse. For 2000, the park is open daily June 17-Sept. 4 and weekends Sept. 9-24, 2000.

All-day Knott's Soak City U.S.A. admission is $19.95 for adults and $13.95 for kids 3-11. All ages pay just $11.95 after 3 p.m. Visitors can preÜpurchase discounted tickets at any of the 86 Food 4 Less locations in Southern California May 31-Sept. 4, 2000 for just $14.95 for adults and $11.95 for kids.

Knott's Soak City U.S.A. operating hours, prices, promotions and attraction availability are subject to change without notice. For information on the day you plan to visit, please call (714) 220-5200 or visit us online at www.soakcityusa.com.