After a last-minute permitting issue delayed the opening of The Showboat Resort’s new $100 million Island Waterpark June 30, an expedited effort over the Fourth of July holiday allowed the world’s largest indoor beachfront waterpark to open Tuesday, a few days earlier than its previously rescheduled July 7 debut.

NJBIZ has extensively reported about the new facility, which is at the center of efforts in Atlantic City to diversify nongaming offerings.

The waterpark was originally set to open June 30, in time for the holiday weekend. However, those plans had a wrench thrown in them as the facility failed to secure required permits in time for that opening date.

“You only have one chance to make a first impression. I’ve decided to open Island Waterpark on July 7. This is the world’s largest indoor beachfront waterpark and a destination that will last many decades, so I want to ensure everything is perfect,” Bart Blatstein, Tower Investments CEO and Showboat owner, said in a late afternoon statement released June 30 – the day Island Waterpark was set to open. “We are so looking forward to sharing this whole new realm of family entertainment on the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk. We can’t wait for our guests – both kids and adults – to experience this paradise and enjoy it all year round.”

That set off a feverish effort to take care of the remaining requirements needed to open, including city inspectors and staffers at the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) working during the holiday to help make that happen.

At around midday on July 4, Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr., posted on social media that Island Waterpark had cleared the final permit hurdles.

Blatstein then put out a press release confirming the news that the highly anticipated waterpark officially opened its doors to the public at noon Tuesday.

“On July 4th, I want to declare our independence from being known as just a casino town, to a family-friendly beach resort that also has casinos,” said Blatstein. “This Independence Day, I’m opening the doors to a whole new world of family entertainment on the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk.”

Blatstein thanked the governor, state and local leaders for their support of the project.

“And I especially want to extend my sincere appreciation to Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small as this is indeed a great day in Atlantic City,” Blatstein added.

.@IWPAtlanticCity is now OPEN! 🌊⛱️

As the world’s largest indoor beachfront waterpark, Island Waterpark at @Showboat_AC occupies 100,000 sq. ft. featuring 11 different slides, a splash pad, a lazy river, & a retractable roof for year-round waterpark fun.#AtlanticCity #VisitAC pic.twitter.com/9uQlNC0CMJ

— Visit Atlantic City (@Visit_AC) July 5, 2023