Press Release from Sandcastle Waterpark

WEST HOMESTEAD [APRIL 1, 2022] – BETTER. BRIGHTER. FRESHER THAN EVER. Today, Sandcastle Waterpark reveals a major, multi-million dollar improvement plan along with a lineup of exciting events, a new waterslide, and an expanded operating calendar for the upcoming 2022 season. 

Nominated as one of America’s Best Waterparks by USA TODAY 10Best, Pittsburgh’s Hometown Waterpark will look better, brighter, and fresher than ever this year as major changes to enhance guest experience have been secretly under way for months. Now, Sandcastle’s leadership team unveils the expansive, ongoing transformation with less than two months remaining until Opening Day: Saturday, May 21.

“Guests will be stunned when they see the all-new look of our world-class water park this year,” says Ricky Spicuzza, Sandcastle’s Assistant General Manager. “This began last season with the improvements to the park’s appearance, new food and beverage offerings, and new Jammin’ July special event. We are now building upon those successful changes this year and offering a brand-new Sandcastle experience unlike anything the Steel City has ever seen before.”
 

The park improvements will touch every major area of the park for a complete transformation, including:

  • Mon Tsunami Wave Pool – A new stone façade creates an illusion of rocky cliffs, while a new waterfall feature cascades below during wave sequences;
  • The Boardwalk – Boasting one of the best views of the Monongahela River in the entire city, Sandcastle’s Boardwalk bursts with new life. A steel archway with illuminated, dimensional lettering marks the new start of the Boardwalk, creating a unique arrival statement. All light posts have been updated to gooseneck lighting, while string lights illuminate the evening pathways;
  • Food & Beverage Enhancements – New, mouthwatering menu items are on the way to tickle the taste buds, and visually enhanced stands will sport new, engaging signage and refreshed color palettes to embody a modern, seaside feel; 
  • Mushroom Pool – A sleek, modern look makes the Mushroom Pool the perfect place for riverside relaxation. Enjoy a new, large, painted mural along the pool’s back wall, situated beneath colorful horizontal slats. Combined with the Mushroom Pool’s picturesque view of the Monongahela River and wooded hillside, a summer day has never been more relaxing;
  • Sandbox – One thing is for sure: there won’t be any shortages of Sandcastles this summer. An all-new 2,000 sq. ft. play place dedicated to building incredible sand sculptures will be available right off the boardwalk! Plus, an oversized Adirondack chair offers the perfect sharable moment with friends and family;
  • Cocomo Joe’s and Sandbar – These two walk-up bar locations inspire an energetic beach vibe thanks to new, vibrant colors and textures added in to the bar’s seating and backdrops; and
  • Park Landscaping – New foliage, flowers, and ornamental grass can be found in and surrounding the park to make for an awe-inspiring transformation.

Plus, all Sandcastle waterslides will be completely repainted using a relaxing color palette reminiscent of summertime on the East Coast. Complementary in-park signage brings bright pops of color scattered throughout the park, while new Adirondack seating is sure to make the Sandcastle lounging experience second to none.


A better, brighter, fresher Sandcastle is just the start of the excitement set to hit Pittsburgh’s Hometown Waterpark in 2022. An exciting lineup of special events supports the visual transformation, offering reasons to visit beyond Sandcastle’s new look and signature slides, featuring:

  • June 4 – June 26: Daily operations kick off with Out of School, Into the Pool! Summer vacation has officially begun, and Sandcastle is the perfect staycation spot with fun activities every day like scavenger hunts, balloon artists, ice cream eating contests, and popular TV show characters;
  • July 1 – 31: Last year’s wildly successful Jammin’ July returns for another season, once again featuring a local entertainment lineup headlining Pittsburgh’s most unique concert venue. July also brings a special celebration over the extended Independence Day holiday weekend including an antique car show and visits by Uncle Sam and the Statue of Liberty;
  • August 5 – September 17: Close out summer in style with a new festival-like experience, Sandcastle’s Food And Cocktail Frenzy. Find local breweries, food trucks, DJ’s and more for a star-studded splash on Friday and Saturday evenings; and
  • August 26 – September 16: Paying homage to the old Sandbar from the 90’s, nightlife returns to Sandcastle for Friday Night Swim Under the Lights, an all-new event where guests can swim under the stars and enjoy a late night beverage.

The fun doesn’t stop at the special events. Guests will want to drop in this summer to experience the park’s new high altitude, free-fall body slide, Bombs Away. Riders will step into an enclosed launch capsule while taking in serene views from the park’s highest point. As the countdown hits zero, the floor suddenly vanishes, propelling riders at a jaw-dropping 26 feet per second down 300 feet of soaking, splashing fun. Located on the same tower as the infamous Lighting Express, Bombs Away promises to deliver an equally thrilling experience.
 

The best way to dive in to all the excitement at Sandcastle is with a Season Pass providing multiple visits. For a limited time, the best-value Gold Season Pass, which offers unlimited admission, free parking and a souvenir cup with unlimited free refills, is available for the same price as the Silver Pass. For more information on Sandcastle’s upgrades, 2022 events, or Season Passes, visit SandcastleWaterpark.com