“Must-See Waterpark” Readies for 2010 Season; Dollywood’s Splash Country Opens May 22

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Just four months after winning the 2009 International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ (IAAPA ) Must-See Waterpark Award, Dollywood’s Splash Country readies for its 2010 season which begins May 22.

“We are most grateful for IAAPA’s distinguished recognition with the 2009 Must-See Waterpark Award”

Dollywood’s Splash Country won the award on Nov. 16, 2009, at IAAPA’s Expo in Las Vegas. The program recognizes outstanding waterparks around the world that provide visitors with a unique and memorable experience, top-notch guest service, operations, and safety.

“We are most grateful for IAAPA’s distinguished recognition with the 2009 Must-See Waterpark Award,” said Vice President and General Manager Gene Scherrer. “With this honor comes an even greater guest expectation, and our Dollywood’s Splash Country team is committed to providing our guests with a truly ‘must-see’ experience in a wholesome family setting.”

Installation of the park’s new Slick Rock Racer, a multi-lane mat slide, continues as crews work throughout the Smoky Mountains’ premier outdoor waterpark in preparation for the 2010 season. Announced in August 2009, Slick Rock Racer spans 300 feet and features four water-drenched lanes, each side by side. Positioned belly down on mats, each rider travels head first on a channel which includes an initial dip to build speed. Multiple bumps along the length of the slide allow riders to gain additional momentum which propels them to the finish. The new attraction can accommodate approximately 720 guests an hour.

The park twice has been recognized by the Travel Channel as one of the country’s top ten water parks. In 2001, Dollywood’s Splash Country was named the World Waterpark Association’s Best New Water Park in America.

Slick Rock Racer joins Dollywood’s Splash Country’s more than 30 water adventure slides including The Butterfly, Mountain Scream, Mountain Twist, and the 70-foot-tall Fire Tower Falls^®, the state’s tallest twin speed slides.

Marking its tenth year of operation in 2010, Dollywood’s Splash Country is a 35-acre water adventure park located adjacent to Dollywood theme park. Situated in a unique wooded mountain setting, Dollywood’s Splash Country operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day. For more information, visit http://www.dollywoodssplashcountry.com.

Media: Contact Dollywood Public Relations Manager Pete Owens at 865-428-9486 or by email at [e-mail] for B-roll, photography and more information. Check the Dollywood Press Room at www.dollywood.com/press-room for updates and new images.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6219626&lang=en