The California Water Park That Was Buried By Fire

Splash Kingdom Waterpark once stood as a beloved destination for families seeking summer fun in Redlands, California. Originally known as Pharaoh’s Lost Kingdom, this Egyptian-themed attraction featured towering pyramids, thrilling water slides, and exciting entertainment.

After years of financial trouble and ownership changes, the park closed its gates forever, only to be consumed by devastating fires that left nothing but memories and rubble.

1. Originally Opened as Pharaoh’s Lost Kingdom in 1996

Back in June 1996, visitors driving along the I-10 freeway spotted something incredible rising from the desert landscape. A massive Egyptian-themed amusement park called Pharaoh’s Lost Kingdom opened its doors with grand pyramids, mysterious sphinxes, and exciting attractions that captured everyone’s imagination.

Families could enjoy mini-golf courses decorated like ancient tombs, race go-karts around themed tracks, and splash through waterpark attractions. The ambitious project aimed to become Southern California’s premier family entertainment destination, combining education with thrilling rides and water fun.

2. Rebranded as Splash Kingdom in 2006

Financial difficulties forced the park’s owners to make tough decisions about its future. By 2006, new management took over and decided to rebrand the struggling attraction as Splash Kingdom, shifting away from the elaborate Egyptian theme that had defined its early years.

Water attractions became the main focus, while many original themed elements were gradually removed or neglected. The rebranding hoped to attract budget-conscious families looking for affordable summer entertainment. Unfortunately, the changes couldn’t reverse the park’s declining popularity and mounting operational challenges that continued to plague the business.

3. Multiple Devastating Fires Ravaged the Property

After abandonment, the once-vibrant park became vulnerable to disaster. Between 2020 and 2021, firefighters responded to several fires that swept through the decaying structures, each one causing more damage than the last.

A particularly catastrophic blaze erupted in May 2021, engulfing the iconic pyramid that had welcomed visitors for decades. Flames consumed wood structures, melted plastic slides, and destroyed whatever remained of the park’s former glory. Investigators suspected some fires were intentionally set, while others may have started from homeless encampments or electrical issues in the abandoned buildings.

4. City Officials Revoked Operating Permits Before Final Fire

Redlands city officials grew increasingly frustrated with the park’s deteriorating condition and numerous safety violations. Building inspectors documented crumbling structures, exposed electrical wiring, and hazardous debris scattered throughout the property.

Authorities revoked the park’s operating permits multiple times, citing ongoing noncompliance with safety regulations and building codes. The final permit revocation came in early 2021, just months before the devastating May fire that sealed the park’s fate. City leaders had warned owners repeatedly, but their concerns went unaddressed until disaster struck.

5. Became a Canvas for Graffiti Artists and Urban Explorers

Once the gates closed permanently, adventurous visitors of a different kind discovered the abandoned waterpark. Graffiti artists transformed empty pools and crumbling walls into colorful murals, creating an eerie outdoor art gallery among the ruins.

Urban explorers climbed fences to photograph the decay, documenting peeling paint, rusted slides, and nature reclaiming concrete pathways. Videos and photos spread rapidly across social media platforms, attracting more curious visitors despite trespassing warnings. The site became infamous in the urban exploration community, drawing people from across California to witness the haunting transformation.

6. Demolition Started Shortly After the May 2021 Fire

Following the catastrophic fire, city officials decided the dangerous ruins had to go. Heavy machinery rolled onto the property in 2021, beginning the lengthy process of tearing down what fire hadn’t already destroyed.

Excavators knocked down charred pyramid walls while dump trucks hauled away twisted metal slides and concrete debris. The demolition continued through mid-2022, slowly erasing the landmark that had defined the landscape for over two decades. Workers faced challenges removing deeply embedded structures and clearing contaminated materials, making the project more complex than initially anticipated.

7. Served as a Recognizable Inland Empire Landmark for Decades

For countless commuters traveling the I-10 freeway, the towering pyramid became an unmistakable reference point. Drivers would tell their passengers, “We’re almost there—you can see the pyramid!” as they navigated through the Inland Empire.

The distinctive silhouette dominated the skyline, visible from miles away and featured in countless vacation photos. Generations of local families created memories there, celebrating birthdays and beating summer heat on the water slides. When it disappeared, many residents felt genuine sadness, mourning not just a building but a cherished piece of regional identity.

8. Plagued by Controversial Ownership and Legal Disputes

Behind the scenes, business troubles brewed constantly throughout the park’s existence. Multiple ownership changes brought new management teams with different visions, creating instability and confusion about the park’s direction.

Legal battles erupted over unpaid debts, contract disputes, and property rights, draining resources that could have improved attractions. City officials frequently clashed with owners over building code violations and maintenance requirements that went ignored. This turbulent ownership history contributed significantly to the park’s eventual decline, as no single owner maintained consistent investment or care for the aging facility.

9. Inspired Widespread Cultural Curiosity and Online Documentation

Something about abandoned places captures human imagination, and Splash Kingdom became a perfect example. Photographers and videographers documented every stage of decay, creating haunting time-lapse sequences showing nature’s takeover.

YouTube channels dedicated to abandoned places featured lengthy explorations of the empty waterpark, racking up millions of views. Nostalgic former visitors shared childhood memories in comment sections, swapping stories about favorite rides and summer adventures. The park’s eerie post-closure state transformed it from forgotten attraction into internet phenomenon, preserving its legacy in unexpected digital form.

10. Future of the Vacant Land Remains Uncertain

Today, only empty dirt remains where thrilling water slides once stood. The cleared property sits silent along the freeway, waiting for someone to imagine its next chapter.

Developers have proposed various redevelopment ideas, including shopping centers, housing projects, and new entertainment venues. However, as of late 2025, no concrete plans have gained approval or funding to move forward. Environmental assessments, zoning considerations, and economic factors complicate potential projects. Local residents wonder if anything will ever replace their lost landmark or if the vacant lot will remain a permanent reminder of what once was.