Water World in Federal Heights was evacuated and shut down Saturday morning after park staff and law enforcement responded to what officials called an "unverified threat." Guests were quickly escorted out while officers and emergency personnel launched a precautionary sweep of the sprawling water park and set up resources to reunite families who got separated in the rush to leave.
Police Set Up Reunification and Urged People to Stay Away
Federal Heights police told the public to avoid the area around Pecos Street and West 90th Avenue and said a reunification site was established at Camenisch Park, according to Denver7. The outlet reported that officers and tactical units were on scene and that social media posts showed crowds gathered outside the closed park. Authorities held back most details while investigators worked the scene and sorted out what, if anything, was behind the threat.
Park Status and Official Notice
Water World's official website carried a notice Saturday saying the park was "temporarily closed at this time" and directed guests to the homepage for updates on hours, tickets, and passes. The message replaced the usual hours listing while staff and crews remained active around the shut gates, according to the park's online post.
What Authorities Told Reporters
Federal Heights Police Commander Jason Schlenker told Denver7 that "law enforcement is asking the public to stay away from the area and more information will be posted soon." Investigators did not immediately release specifics about the threat and said updates would be shared as the situation developed.
Advice for Ticket Holders
Guests with tickets or season passes were urged to hang on to their purchase confirmations and keep an eye on the park's website for the latest guidance on refunds, rescheduling, and passholder information, according to the online notice. Hyland Hills Park & Recreation District, which operates Water World, handles customer service questions through the park's ticketing portal linked on the site.
Where Families Were Directed
Authorities directed evacuees to Camenisch Park, a local green space on West 90th Avenue near the city's public facilities that city planning documents identify as the neighborhood reunification site. Officials used the park as a staging area to reconnect families while officers secured nearby streets and parking areas.
For official updates, check the Federal Heights Police Department's public channels and the city's information pages. The department has said it will post new information as it becomes available. Park officials have directed guests to their website for ticket and pass questions and will announce a reopening once authorities clear the site.
