By BEX Staff for AZBEX
Developer WhiteWater West Industries has walked away from a partnership with the Town of Gilbert to build the 25-acre Cactus Surf Park.
Cactus Surf Park was first announced as a public-private partnership in 2019. A local news outlet reported WhiteWater West was the third builder chosen to partner with the Town.
The original partner, Strand Resorts, had estimated the project cost at $60M in 2019 and 2020. The water park was first targeted for opening in summer 2020.
The water-based theme park was planned as part of Gilbert Regional Park, a 272-acre, four-phase plan at Queen Creek and Higley roads. According to the DATABEX project database, Phase II is expected to be finished in July 2028.
The Town issued an announcement on July 30 saying it was pausing the next phase of Gilbert Regional Park while it is “evaluating several major capital improvement projects to ensure they continue to provide the most valuable use of taxpayer dollars.” The announcement cites “a comprehensive review of its long-term financial priorities in response to financial pressures outside the Town’s control, including recent state legislative changes that have reduced Gilbert’s available revenue.”
In October 2025, Town staff had confirmed to BEX research staff Cactus Surf Park would be on hold for the next five years.
According to Gilbert’s most recent statement on the surf park, “The Town is exploring a range of options for the site and intends to seek community input before advancing any future proposal.”
WhiteWater West has not yet issued a statement on its withdrawal.
