Wyoming officials announced the state will demolish the $1.8 million Star Plunge water park in Thermopolis after discovering extensive electrical, structural, and gas leak hazards. The decision follows a two‑year, $1.8 million purchase of the property from former owner Roland Luehne as part of a settlement aimed at revitalizing Hot Springs State Park.
Inspections revealed sagging support beams, a leaking gas line, and widespread electrical faults that could trigger a catastrophic fire. Chief Fire Marshal Jim O’Connor said the building does not meet safety codes and that immediate action is required.
Demolition is projected to cost up to $1 million, while a full rebuild could exceed $5 million. State budget analyst Maya Patel noted that a renovation would require a multimillion‑dollar investment and could delay reopening for several years. The state will issue a public notice for bids by July 15 to secure contractors.
The water park, which opened in 1900, had been a centerpiece of Thermopolis’s tourism economy, pulling in thousands of visitors each summer. Local hotelier Susan Reed said the park’s closure has already reduced occupancy rates by 12 percent, highlighting the economic ripple effect.
With the decision pending the fire marshal’s report, the state will announce its final plan by the end of August, after consultations with Wyoming Hot Springs LLC, the new concessionaire slated to reopen other park facilities.