New Ownership Will Bring Changes To Nashville Shores

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Nashville Shores has been sold for undisclosed amount to two former Six Flags executives who said they have plans to expand and spruce up the water park.

Business has been strong since the park opened more than a decade ago, with the exception of an attendance decline last year, most other years recorded increases.

The former owner Mike Williams said selling the park was the right move made at the right time.

"We always had our eye on Nashville," said new owner Kieran Burke.

The 385 acres of natural beauty known as Nashville Shores is getting a multi-million dollar facelift.

"It's going to be a complete transformation. You're going to see great new attractions. You're going to see the place spruced up, and you're going to see a lot of improvements," said Burke.

Burke and Gary Story closed the deal this week. They're no strangers to the park business both are former top executives with Six Flags.

"We're anxious to come back in the business and really take that expertise and apply it here in Nashville," said Burke.

A master plan for the new look will be released before the end of the year, and some changes will be seen when the park opens next season.

Burke said don't expect Nashville Shores to mirror Six Flags.

"We're really going to build and improve the water park, get the campground re-activated eventually and certainly take advantage of the 310 marina slips that we have," said Burke.

Despite declining attendance at theme parks nationwide, Burke said Nashville's healthy business climate made this an obvious deal to jump into.

"We think the first year will wow people," said Burke.

Burke will be New York based while Story will work out of Oklahoma City. Martin Strobel will remain Nashville Shores General Manager.

Details about the changes will be released in December.