River Country first waterpark ever?

[bcrook]

I went to River Country in 1977, and I was telling my son how this was the first real waterpark anybody had ever heard of. He won't believe me. After searching online - Wet N Wild Orlando is credited as the first water park but it didn't open until after River Country.

My son is claiming that River Country must not have been a real water park. Can anybody help me out? You know how 15 year old boys can be...

 

[daydream32]

Not sure if this one is the first or not, but I think Lake Dolores (1962) pre-dates River Country (1976). Then again it might not be considered a real water park either.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Dolores_Waterpark