At its regular meeting on August 12, 2025, the Vista City Council voted to move forward with a phased improvement plan for the City’s Wave Waterpark. The decision follows several months of public input and a February 2025 Council directive for staff to explore and present options for the future of the facility.
Background
The Wave Waterpark, located in the heart of Vista, has served the community since it opened in 1994. Operated by the City’s Recreation & Community Services Department, the Wave functions as both a recreational waterpark for residents and visitors, and as Vista’s municipal pool. It also serves as a venue for high school swim meets, private club swim, water polo matches, and community swimming programs.
In February 2025, the City Council asked staff to return with multiple options to address maintenance and operational needs. Three options were presented at Tuesday’s meeting:
- Option 1: Improve/Restore the Wave Waterpark with a Phased Approach – This option, recommended by staff, would invest in critical infrastructure to ensure a safe, consistent, and code-compliant experience. The improvements would include upgrades to swimming pools, pool decks, deck amenities, waterslides, the Flow Rider, splash pad, and all related mechanical and technical systems. The estimated cost for these initial improvements is $3.5 million. Funding would come from Proposition L funds—a half-cent sales tax approved by Vista voters in 2006 and implemented in 2007 to construct and improve major public facilities.
- Option 2: Repurpose the Wave Waterpark – Under this option, the City would explore converting the site for other uses. On June 5, 2025, City staff hosted a public workshop to gather ideas for alternative uses and programming. Input ranged from expanded community recreation facilities to entirely new development concepts.
- Option 3: Seek Proposals from Outside Parties to Operate and/or Market the Wave for the City – This option involved releasing a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit proposals from private operators. Staff provided respondents with a detailed history of the facility, financial data, and hosted site visits. During this process, staff emphasized the importance of maintaining the Wave’s role as Vista’s municipal pool and ensuring continued access for school and club swim programs.
Council Decision
After discussion, the City Council voted to approve Option 1. In addition to the recommended improvements, the Council directed staff to restore year-round lap swimming for the public.
Councilmembers noted the value of keeping the Wave Waterpark under City operation to maintain community access and preserve the facility’s role as a gathering place for residents of all ages.
Community Involvement
The City of Vista and the City Council expressed appreciation to residents who participated in public workshops and provided input throughout the process. Public feedback played an important role in evaluating the three options and helped inform the Council’s decision.
Information
The Wave Waterpark is open for the summer season on weekends and Labor Day through September 28. For more information about the Wave Waterpark, visit thewavewaterpark.com.
Quick Facts: Vista City Council Decision on Wave Waterpark
- Meeting Date: August 12, 2025
- Decision: Approved Option 1 – Improve/Restore the Wave Waterpark with a phased approach
- Estimated Cost: $3.5 million
- Funding Source: Proposition L (half-cent sales tax approved by voters in 2006, implemented in 2007)
- Scope of Improvements:
- Swimming pools
- Pool decks and deck amenities
- Waterslides
- Flow Rider
- Splash pad
- Mechanical and technical systems
- Additional Council Direction: Restore year-round lap swimming for the public
- Other Options Considered:
- Repurpose the facility (public workshop held June 5, 2025)
- Seek Proposals from Outside Parties to Operate and/or Market the Wave for the City (Request for Information released)
- Facility History:
- Opened in 1994
- Operated by the City of Vista’s Recreation & Community Services Department
- Serves as Vista’s municipal pool and is used for high school swim, private club swim, and water polo matches
