Rochester Seabreeze $2.7M Racing Waterslide Summer 2026 Opening

Westside Construction Group
Building Better Blogs.

Rochester, NY — January 16, 2026 — Seabreeze Water Park is embarking on its most ambitious investment in the park's 146-year history: a $2.7 million state-of-the-art dual racing waterslide designed to be the first of its kind in the Northeastern United States. The groundbreaking new attraction, manufactured by ProSlide Technology, is scheduled to open in summer 2026.

Project Overview

The new dual racing waterslide represents a transformative investment in Seabreeze's water park offerings. Situated adjacent to the park's wave pool, the 50-foot-tall attraction will stretch more than 1,000 feet in length, featuring two parallel racing slides that allow pairs of riders to compete side by side. The design promises an experience described as "the first attraction of its kind" in the region, incorporating cutting-edge features and thrilling elements that differentiate it from traditional waterslides.

Genevieve Norris Brown, Seabreeze Chief Operating Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the project: "We're thrilled to bring this next-generation family experience to our water park. We've built a reputation for creating memorable moments, and this new racing slide is the perfect way to continue that tradition."

Innovative Design Features

The waterslide incorporates multiple distinctive design elements that create a uniquely engaging ride experience. Riders board figure-eight-shaped inner tubes and launch side by side, navigating a series of twists and turns before reaching the first rally point. As they progress through the course, competitors encounter:

  • High-speed saucer section: Riders exit enclosed tubes into daylight, experiencing powerful G-forces as they circle the saucers
  • Spiral hive element: A 540-degree spiral with an open center offering expansive views and intense speed
  • Enclosed illuminated tubes: Features translucent striping that allows riders to track their competitors' progress
  • Double-dip section: A dramatic feature in the longest rally point of the course
  • Final competitive sprint: Both chutes reunite for a final dash to the finish line, where a "winning" team is crowned

The Seabreeze team estimates the ride will accommodate approximately 700 riders per hour, with height requirements of 48 inches for solo riders and 42 inches for those accompanied by a companion.

Project Timeline and Construction Details

Construction is scheduled to begin immediately, with completion targeted for summer 2026. Chicago-based USA Inc., working alongside Seabreeze's in-house construction team, will handle installation of the ride's more than 500 fiberglass components. The project requires precise engineering and coordination across multiple phases to ensure the complex waterslide mechanics function flawlessly.

Key project timeline:

  • Winter 2026: Ongoing preparation and component fabrication
  • Spring 2026: Installation of main ride structure and components
  • Early summer 2026: Testing, inspection, and final commissioning
  • Summer 2026: Grand opening to the public

Seabreeze will also expand lounge areas between the new attraction and the wave pool, enhancing the overall guest experience in that region of the park.

Why This Matters for Rochester

As one of the fourth-oldest amusement parks in the United States and the 13th-oldest in the world, Seabreeze remains a cornerstone of family entertainment in Rochester and throughout the region. The park welcomes approximately 300,000 visitors annually, and the new waterslide investment signals strong confidence in Monroe County's tourism and leisure economy.

This capital investment demonstrates how established regional attractions are modernizing to remain competitive and maintain visitor engagement. The $2.7 million project represents significant local economic activity during construction, including materials procurement, labor, and engineering oversight.

Navigating Cost Challenges

The project has faced cost pressures due to recently imposed U.S. tariffs on imported components. ProSlide Technology is based in Ottawa, Canada, and the added tariff costs could amount to tens of thousands of dollars—with tariff rates fluctuating between 10% and 50% of slide component costs. Seabreeze noted that there is no U.S.-based manufacturer capable of producing this type of specialized waterslide.

In response to these tariff-related cost increases, Seabreeze has requested Monroe County's Industrial Development Agency (COMIDA) to waive local sales and use taxes, totaling just under $150,000. According to COMIDA officials, such tariff uncertainty is increasingly common in today's trade environment. Other New York amusement parks, including Darien Lake (Genesee County) and Enchanted Forest (Herkimer County), have received similar tax exemptions for equipment purchases.

ProSlide Technology is addressing tariff impacts globally by leveraging its international supply chain to source materials from regions less affected by tariffs. According to company spokesperson Ashlea McGrath, "Our goal is to stay one step ahead by working with local suppliers when possible and adapting sourcing strategies to changing trade conditions."

About Seabreeze

Founded in 1879, Seabreeze began as a traditional trolley park and has evolved into a major family destination. The water park was added in 1986 and has expanded substantially. Today, Seabreeze operates multiple attractions and remains family-owned and operated, with ownership by the Norris family.

Industry Insight: Westside Construction Group brings 30+ years of experience managing complex commercial and entertainment venue projects across Upstate New York, including amusement and leisure facility development. For consultation on hospitality or recreational construction projects: (585) 440-0304 or www.buildwcg.com

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