Despite delays caused by flooding last May, Beech Bend Park is completing a multi-million dollar expansion that includes a new amphitheater, three new water park attractions and two new amusement rides that will all be open for the 2011 season starting in May, according to Dallas Jones, the facility’s president and owner.

The new amphitheater with a 60-foot wide stage and three dressing rooms will seat 400 people. The theater will provide a home for a new musical production now under development and a magic show and talent show. All shows will be included in park admission, Jones said.

The water park expansion, part of which opened last summer, includes a wave pool, lazy river and water play structure. The 275,000-gallon wave pool connects to the 1,100-foot lazy river, creating an ocean-like motion. The four-story play structure, Tiki Island, will offer slides, cascading waterfalls and other elements geared to children with a tropical theme with surfboards, toucans, tiki statues and palm trees.

In addition to the water park expansion, two new rides are being added: a family Tea Cup and a Star Ship thrill ride. The Tea Cup replaces a mini tea-cup ride that has been at the park for several years.

The expansion is projected to have a substantial economic impact on the Bowling Green area, including additional employment. “We’re adding about 35 lifeguards at the water park,” Jones said.

In addition to the water park and amusement park with dozens of rides, the 379 acre family recreation complex offers mini-golf, go-carts games of skill and a petting farm. Beech Bend is also home to a campground and a nationally recognized drag strip and stock car track.

Beech Bend Park was named the fifth friendliest park in the world for 2007, 2008 and 2009 by Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Awards.

For more information, visit www.beechbend.com.

The Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism is an agency within the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, which promotes the Commonwealth as a travel destination. Tourism in Kentucky has an economic impact of nearly $11 billion, employs more than 176,000 people and generates $1 billion in taxes.