If you’ve driven past Zoombezi Bay lately and spotted something new towering over Powell Road, you’re not imagining things—something BIG is making waves! We're building a record-breaking new attraction called Conservation Tower, and it’s unlike anything the world has seen before.
That’s right—it’s a world’s first.
Among other firsts, Zoombezi Bay is the first water park anywhere to debut ProSlide’s brand-new HIVE™ 20, an innovative slide design that blends thrills, sustainability, and serious splash power. And trust us—you’re going to want to ride it.
A Partnership 17 Years in the Making
We’ve worked with ProSlide for nearly two decades, dreaming up ways to bring next-level excitement to Zoombezi Bay guests. And with Conservation Tower, that imagination reached new heights—literally.
“From the very beginning, innovation has been at the heart of our work together,” says Jeff Janovich, Senior Vice President, Global Strategic Partnerships at ProSlide. “Bringing the world’s first HIVE 20 installation to Zoombezi Bay is a major milestone, and we couldn’t imagine a better partner to make it happen.”
ProSlide’s designers spent 10 months carefully designing the ride to deliver high-impact fun while keeping sustainability front and center—just like we do here at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay.
Built for Thrills. Designed with Purpose.
What sets Conservation Tower apart isn’t just its world-first status—it’s also built with conservation in mind. From the ground up, the design puts our planet first:
- Precision-fabricated fiberglass eliminates waste and ensures each piece fits perfectly.
- Compact footprint, major fun: HIVE’s design delivers excitement without sprawling across the park.
- Durable, long-lasting materials reduce long-term environmental impact.
This means you get a high-speed adventure with a lower environmental footprint—and that’s something we can all feel good about.
Construction in Full Swing
The tower’s steel frame is officially complete, and the bright, colorful slide tubes are now rising from the runout pool—each new section is a sign that summer is getting closer. If you’ve driven by, you’ve probably seen these bold new curves stretching skyward beside our fan-favorite ride, Cyclone.
Behind the scenes, crews are also installing underground utilities like electrical and drain lines to make sure everything runs smoothly once we’re open. It may not be as visible as the slides, but it’s just as important.
The Stats Behind the Splash
Let’s break it down in a way the whole family can appreciate:
- 45,500 gallons of water = the weight of 38 adult male Asian elephants! Bonus Fact: On average, water parks like Zoombezi Bay, aim to keep 98% of the water in use!
- 51 feet tall = as high as four giraffes stacked on top of each other.
- 1,860 feet of total slide length = longer than 560 Eastern hellbenders (Ohio’s giant salamander).
- 854 fiberglass pieces = like 43,000 freshwater mussels side-by-side.
This is one serious slide—and we can’t wait for you to take the plunge.
Why “Conservation” Tower?
At Zoombezi Bay, fun is always the goal—but conservation is the heart of everything we do. This ride isn’t just about thrills—it’s also a chance to spark conversations about protecting our planet, our water, and the wildlife that depend on both.
From highlighting freshwater mussels to showcasing energy-efficient design, Conservation Tower exemplifies Zoombezi Bay being a "waterpark with a purpose" and brings the mission of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium to life in a new and exciting way.
Stay Tuned for Opening Day
With every slide piece added and every pipe connected, we’re one step closer to welcoming you to the top of the tower. And don’t worry—we’ll let you know as soon as we set the official opening date.
Until then, keep your eyes on the sky… and maybe start doing a few stair workouts (there are 81 steps to the top, after all).
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