A water park at a popular Hamilton Parish resort has closed after five years in business.

Rosewood Sports Centre’s Water Park, operated by Kinezumi Water Sports, announced its early shutdown, prompted by Hurricane Ernesto, this week.

Antwan Albuoy, the president of Kinezumi Water Sports, admitted that the closure was earlier than planned, adding that “my time and attention is needed elsewhere”.

He explained that he had recently been promoted as Rosewood’s beach, pool and front desk manager, which forced him to split his time more than he wanted.

Mr Albuoy added: “I want to ensure that quality service is being provided to all who visit the water park, but I couldn’t put too much attention on to the water park.

“I’ve been doing this for about five years, and I just want to move into a different direction.”

Mr Albuoy, through Kinezumi Water Sports, announced the closure over Facebook on Thursday night.

He explained that the water park, which is often pulled ashore during bad weather, got damaged during last week’s storm.

He added that between the damage and the potential of further stormy weather — as well as after “much reflection” — the decision was made to close the water park permanently.

Mr Albuoy clarified yesterday that his new promotion was one of the deciding factors, as well as the time it would take to repair or replace parts of the park.

He said that the closure was “bittersweet”, adding that there had been “plenty of laughs” over the years.

“It wasn’t a decision made lightly,” Mr Albuoy said.

“I’ve pondered for quite a while before I said, ‘You know what, now’s the right time to do it’.”

Mr Albuoy opened the water park in the summer of 2019 as a way to bring something new to the eastern side of the island.

He said that he saw the risk of opening a new business as an “adventure”, particularly because he competed with Longtail Floating Park in Dockyard.

Mr Albuoy said that “thousands” of people visited for birthday parties, corporate fun days and field trips over the years.

He said his favourite part of the job was seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they came out.

Mr Albuoy added that his fondest memory of the project was a child’s birthday party.

He said: “There was one boy, I believe he was about ten, whose parents booked a private birthday party for him, and I believe he had about 15 of his friends.

“They were on the water park for two hours, and when he came off, he told his mom that was his best birthday ever.”

Mr Albuoy offered his thanks to everyone who came to the water park over the past five years.

He added: “We appreciate your business, your loyalty and your continued patronage.

“I’m not starting a new business, but I’m doing something for the community.”