HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - Rain or shine, the countdown to summer is on at Serengeti Springs.
“We are gearing up for season three here at Serengeti Springs. We are excited that we’re able to return for another year,” guest services and retail director Demetric Kelly said.
While guests see the summer fun, Kelly says the behind-the-scenes work never really stops.
“A lot of the off-season is preventative maintenance,” he explains. “We still come in, we still operate the structure, there’s still water flowing, there’s still pump maintenance, all the other staff that really make sure that the park survives when it’s cold, so that we can’t have a successful opening.”
Leaders say for the waterpark’s third year, they’re focused on improving the guest experience.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Things such as providing shade, we’ve added more seating to the park, smoothing out the entry process,” Kelly said. “There’s also additional golf cart parking that we’re going to have this year.”
He says they’re constantly listening to feedback to shape the experience year after year.
This season also brings upgrades to the food and beverage side of the park.
“We’ve added the shade structures, the boardwalk around, all of that kind of shading, and all of that hopefully will cut down on some of the heat that is here,” Hattiesburg Convention Commission’s Food and Beverage Director, Michael Gillespie, said. “We’ve got a lot of good umbrellas, fans.”
And even with rain in the forecast for the opening weekend, Kelly says it’s still all systems go as staff keep an eye on the skies.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Light rain doesn’t really force us to shut down anything, but when we have lightning in the area, we do have to clear the structure and the river for a small time period,” Kelly said. “So we’re planning to open this weekend, but we are watching very closely just to make sure that guests have a good time and that everyone’s going to be safe.”
Opening day kicks off Friday, May 22, at Serengeti Springs. The park will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting.
Find more information and ticket details HERE.
Want more WDAM 7 news in your inbox? Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
Copyright 2026 WDAM. All rights reserved.