By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE first phase of the Pirates Cove Water Theme Park and Zipline in Grand Bahama is complete and the operators are expected to open to the public on Monday.

A group of seven Bahamians broke ground in September on the first zipline and water theme park at Taino Beach. Since then, construction has started at the site and work is progressing well, said one of the investors yesterday.

A 60ft tall fig tree centred outdoor deck and bar has been constructed, along with several other outdoor wooden structures.

David Wallace, Ivan Cartwright, Wendal Grant II, Philip Galanis, Clarence Wallace, Theresa Grant-Missick and Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace are the seven partners in Arawak Adventure & Commercial Tours Ltd.

According to Mr Wallace, the theme park should be fully completed in the next three weeks, while work will continue on the Zipline, which is expected to be finished by August. Some of the equipment and tower poles for the zipline have already arrived on the island.

“We will have a blessing of the grounds on Sunday, May 29, and we will open the park to tourists and locals on Monday, May 30,” Mr Wallace said.

The pirates-themed park will open on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday during the day, and in the evenings starting on Thursday. Other features include a miniature golf course of the islands of The Bahamas; a horse and carriage tour ride of the quaint nearby settlement of Smith’s Point; and an Iguana park.

Mr Wallace stated that fly-boards, jet skis, and jet packs, kayaking and paddle boats will be available at the water park. “We will also be introducing a powerboat ride from the harbour to the site, similar to the powerboat adventures in Nassau.”

He said native food, including a famous dish prepared for the Miami Heat by one of the investors will be prepared.

One of the significant features, according to Mr Wallace, is a 60-ft fig tree that a bar was built around and a 250-seat wooden outdoor deck. He also said that there are giant knocker balls that people can climb into and roll around.

A Kids’ Play and Party area, with bouncing castle, is also available for children.

Mr Wallace is excited about the zipline, which is the first of its kind in the Bahamas. “The poles for the zipline towers have arrived on island, and 11 of the first 50 poles are here and will be installed in the next two weeks,” he said.

The towers will have a theme of the history of the Bahamas. The first tower will tell the story of Carib and Arawak Indians who came to the Bahamas in the 1100s and 1200s by canoe.

Mr Wallace said Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville and Tourism official Betty Bethel and Derek Newbold of the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) will speak at the dedication at 6pm on Sunday.

He said Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe and GBPA president Ian Rolle will attend the official opening in June.