Palmdale’s Beloved Water Park Gets $2 Million Upgrade

To mark its 20th anniversary, DryTown Water Park has undergone major renovations, ensuring that families across the Antelope Valley continue to enjoy safe, affordable, and much-needed water-based recreation in the high desert.

2 minute read

May 27, 2025, 9:00 AM PDT

By Clement Lau


Children inside large slide at water park.

Patryk Kosmider / Adobe Stock

DryTown Water Park in Palmdale, California is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a $2 million renovation aimed at enhancing the park’s safety, functionality, and visitor experience. Approved by the Palmdale City Council, the upgrades include critical repairs to the Miner’s Camp splash area, treatment of rusted light poles, and a major overhaul of the popular Dusty’s Mineshaft Racer slide. Extensive repairs have also been made to the pool area shared by the park’s three main slides, along with bathroom renovations and a new circulation pump to power attractions.

The 2025 season has been extended through mid-September, and the park is rolling out celebratory offerings such as $20 ticket Tuesdays, giveaways, and special merchandise to mark the milestone. Local and visiting families can choose from resident and non-resident season passes, with a new perk allowing passholders to bring a friend for free. Palmdale Mayor Richard J. Loa reflected on the community’s long-standing support for DryTown, calling it a "cherished summer tradition" in the Antelope Valley.

Water-based recreation is especially critical in the Antelope Valley, a high desert region where summer temperatures often soar and coastal access is hours away. Facilities like DryTown offer residents—particularly youth and families with limited means—an essential and accessible way to cool off, stay active, and enjoy shared public space. As the only major water park in the area, DryTown plays a key role in promoting community well-being, equity in recreation access, and economic vitality in the region.

Thursday, May 22, 2025 in Antelope Valley Press

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

May 15, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Interior of Place Versailles mall in Montreal, Canada.

Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units

Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.

May 22, 2025 - CBC

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 21, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

View from hilltop residential neighborhood of downtown Los Angeles, California on a cloudy day.

LA Falling Behind on Housing Goals

Last year, the city permitted just 30 percent of the number of housing units needed to meet a growing need.

2 hours ago - LAist

Canada geese and ducks on the shore of a lake with red brick boathouse in background across the lake in Lincoln Park, Los Angeles.

Connecting Communities to Nature Close to Home

Los Angeles County’s Nature in Your Neighborhood program brings free, family-friendly wellness and nature activities to local parks, making it easier for residents to enjoy and connect with the outdoors.

4 hours ago - Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation

Children inside large slide at water park.

Palmdale’s Beloved Water Park Gets $2 Million Upgrade

To mark its 20th anniversary, DryTown Water Park has undergone major renovations, ensuring that families across the Antelope Valley continue to enjoy safe, affordable, and much-needed water-based recreation in the high desert.

5 hours ago - Antelope Valley Press

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.