CHILDREN from Warminster and District Amateur Swimming club joined five-time paralympic swimming champion Ellie Simmonds at the unveiling of the new water park rides at Center Parcs Longleat Forest.

The youngsters and Ellie were the first people to experience the two new rides at the Subtropical Swimming Paradise today (August 16), including the Tropical Cyclone, which is the largest interactive family raft in Europe.

It allows riders to choose different themes which change projections, lights and sounds on the slide. It is 142 meters long, takes only 45 seconds to reach the bottom, and has a giant drop which gives riders a zero-gravity feel.

The Typhoon also gives riders an unforgettable riding experience with eight different light experiences to try.

Ellie, who visited Center Parcs every year with her family growing up, was honoured to be asked to open the rides.

She said “When I was asked to open this incredible ride, I couldn’t say no. It is great to get away from my normal day to day activities. It is so amazing and exhilarating. You go down and you shoot and shoot, then there is a massive drop. It is pure adrenaline.”

CEO for Center Parcs, Martin Dalby said “We thought the rides are so special that we needed to open it properly with Ellie.”

The new rides, as well as two new water play areas are now open to the public.