Plan to revive Water World
A new Water World on Tai Shue Wan that would combine a natural beach with man-made pools is being planned by Ocean Park chairman Allan Zeman.
The theme park, which breaks attendance records year after year, is putting together a plan due to be completed in the next few months for new themed areas in the coastal area. As part of that plan, Zeman proposes to revive Water World, an attraction featuring rides and pools for swimmers which was closed in 1999.
Unlike the old Water World, which had only man-made outdoor facilities, the new, much larger version, which could open in three years' time, would let visitors enjoy Aberdeen's natural features, Zeman said.
Most water parks on the mainland and in Japan are located deep inland and offer artificial beaches and pools, Zeman said. But Ocean Park can take a section of Tai Shue Wan's sandy beach indoors, he said.
While swimmers played in a big wave pool indoors, they would be able to enjoy the sea view through an enormous glass window, Zeman said. 'According to the initial plan, a ride would bring swimmers from the indoor pool to the outside,' he said.
The Legislative Council has yet to consider the plan. Whether visitors to Ocean Park would need a separate ticket to enter Water World has not been decided.
Zeman, whose term as Ocean Park's chairman will expire next month, will be reappointed by the new government, people informed about the matter said.
He has presided over the theme park's board for nine years, three years beyond the usual six-year limit for heads of statutory bodies.
'There were 35 attractions when I first came. Now there are 75,' Zeman said.
In Polar Adventure, a new attraction to be opened in July, visitors will stroll on a glass walkway and watch penguins swimming underneath, Zeman said. It will also feature animals such as snowy owls, arctic foxes, spotted seals and Pacific walruses.
Meanwhile, Zeman, 63, who is known as the 'Father of Lan Kwai Fong' and is also a board member of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, has no plans to retire.
Zeman said: 'I don't know how to spell 'retire'. West Kowloon, Lan Kwai Fong, Ocean Park ... I haven't thought about retiring.'
