Bucky Dent Water Park in Hialeah, Florida, has reopened its gates as of Friday, July 31, after being closed for seven long years. The reopening ceremony was a significant event led by Mayor Bryan Calvo, attracting city officials, municipal employees, and local families.
According to Diario Las Américas, the festivities kicked off at 11:30 a.m. at the park's location on 2240 West 60th Street, featuring a ceremonial ribbon cutting.
Mayor Calvo had previously announced the reopening on his social media platforms, describing it as a highly anticipated moment for the community.
Free Entry and Family Fun
On the opening day, visitors enjoyed complimentary entry, with the first 100 attendees receiving vouchers for food and desserts. This free access will continue until August 13 on specific days: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and weekends from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The city has yet to disclose the fees that will apply after this free period.
A Multi-Year, Multi-Million Dollar Renovation
The park initially closed around 2019 due to the deteriorating condition of its facilities, and the extensive scope of renovations extended beyond initial expectations. The refurbishment occurred in stages: in 2021, the city approved the purchase of a water play area for up to $227,118. In October 2024, a contract was sanctioned for $435,671 to refurbish the activity pool, and in 2025, equipment for the pump room was acquired for up to $103,278. The total investment reached approximately $4 million.
Mayor Calvo acknowledged that nearly the entire system required upgrades. "Everything had issues. New pumps for filtration, new filters, and a complete replacement of all equipment in the activity area were necessary," he stated.
The reopening was postponed by about a week due to the inspection and approval process by the Florida Department of Health.
Exciting Features and Family Attractions
The revamped complex boasts two water slides approximately 30 feet high (around 9.1 meters), a main pool, and a children's area featuring a shallow pool and splash park. It also includes a lazy river, relaxing areas, wheelchair-accessible spaces, food stalls, and parking. The water park is part of a larger recreational center that offers a gym, a covered building for community activities, a playground, public restrooms, and softball fields.
A Milestone for Hialeah's Youngest Mayor
Mayor Calvo, who took office in January 2026 at the age of 28, becoming the youngest municipal leader in Hialeah's history, highlighted the park's reopening as one of his administration's first significant achievements. "After seven years, Bucky Dent Water Park is finally reopening, providing Hialeah families with a place to swim, gather, and enjoy together," he proudly stated.
He also praised the municipal team's dedication: "This is a testament to the great team we've assembled. Everyone worked tirelessly, even finishing at 11 p.m., to ensure people could enjoy it this summer."
The park is named after Russell Earl "Bucky" Dent, a former Major League Baseball player who grew up in Hialeah and is celebrated for his decisive home run on October 2, 1978, in the tiebreaker game between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox.
The reopening holds particular significance for Hialeah, a city with the highest concentration of Cubans in the United States, where over 72% of the residents are of Cuban descent.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bucky Dent Water Park's Reopening
When is the admission free at Bucky Dent Water Park?
Free admission is available until August 13 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and on weekends from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
What are the new features of the renovated water park?
The renovated water park includes two 30-foot water slides, a main pool, a children's area with a splash park, a lazy river, and accessible spaces for visitors with disabilities.
How much did the renovation of Bucky Dent Water Park cost?
The renovation of Bucky Dent Water Park cost approximately $4 million, covering multiple upgrades and new installations.