SeaWorld San Diego and Sesame Workshop, the production organization behind Sesame Street, announced Monday that SeaWorld’s Aquatica water park will become a Sesame Place San Diego theme park in 2021.
The 17-acre park will be the first Sesame Place on the west coast and only the second in the country. The original park opened near Philadelphia in 1980. Construction of the new park is expected to begin later this year and Aquatica will open for its final season next year on Memorial Day weekend.
“I’ve long cherished the partnership we’ve had with Sesame Workshop and am delighted that Sesame Place is coming to San Diego, the first new Sesame Place in nearly four decades,” said SeaWorld San Diego President Marilyn Hannes. “Our new park will be the perfect place for families to explore and enjoy fun and education playtime.”
SeaWorld rebranded Knott’s Soak City San Diego as Aquatica in 2013 and will retain many of the park’s family friendly rides after the park becomes Sesame Place.
The park will also be designated as a Certified Autism Center by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. Staff members will receive autism sensitivity and awareness training and the park will include designated spaces with adjustable lighting, comfortable seating and low noise levels.
“The opening of Sesame Place San Diego will give guests a unique and powerful way to experience `Sesame Street,’ enable us to connect with even more families and further our educational mission,” Sesame Workshop COO and Media and Education President Steve Youngwood.
— City News Service
