Denver’s Elitch Gardens to open for 2017 season April 29

“Mega Wedgie” and “Star Flyer” are the two latest investments Elitch Gardens is making at its 70-acre amusement park.

Adrian D. Garcia

Mar. 31, 2017, 2:03 p.m.

Elitch Gardens near downtown Denver. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

Elitch Gardens is kicking off its 2017 season with new “Mega Wedgie” water slides and a 17-story “Star Flyer” thrill ride.

“Mega Wedgie” and “Star Flyer” are the two latest investments Elitch Gardens is making at its 70-acre amusement park near downtown Denver. The attractions are part of a $4 million capital improvement program aimed at ensuring the site “continues to be the premiere theme and water park in the Rocky Mountain West.”

Elitch Gardens has added eight rides during the last six years. The park reported seeing more than 1 million people in 2016. Last Year, Elitch Gardens announced the addition of the “Star Flyer.”

“Star Flyer” swings riders 50 mph, 17 stories up.

“Riders will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of their favorite park attractions, the Denver skyline and the Rocky Mountains,” the park said in its release.

“Mega Wedgie” was announced this week.

The new water slides are taking the place of the former Acapulco Cliff Dive, Sun Plunge and Paradise Plunge slides. “Mega Wedgie” offers riders a six-story, 40 mph plunge in the Island Kingdom Water Park.

“Mega Wedgie” will open in the Island Kingdom Water Park on Memorial Day Weekend, May 27. “Star Flyer” will be ready to go as the park opens April 29.

Business & data reporter Adrian D. Garcia can be reached via email at agarcia@denverite.com or twitter.com/adriandgarcia.

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Elitch Gardens near downtown Denver. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)