Do you remember Fort Rapids Waterpark?

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Fort Rapids was a hotel and resort located in Columbus, Ohio. It was originally a Holiday Inn hotel, but was bought by Dublin-based Platinum Lodging, who then spent $40 million developing it into a hotel and waterpark. It was opened to the public in May of 2006, but had a few complaints. In the early-2010s, the plot was leased out. Fort Rapids continued to decline with many complaints. It had fire code violations, as well as violations for unsafe food handling, and bug infestations. The same year it closed, it was bought by Experience Hospitality, after Platinum Lodging no longer wanted the waterpark due to the complaints and violations that they had not been notified about by the leaser.
The last day of operation, a few pumps in the pools were not operating correctly. This caused chlorine gas to infect the air, and multiple families were sick. There was also an electrical fire in the hotel, so everyone, including staff, were evacuated. Columbus Police arrived, and ordered Fort Rapids as a whole to close. It was originally thought that they would open again a few weeks after, when they had done repairs, but they never opened.

The Rise & Fall of Fort Rapids Waterpark

2006FoundedFort Rapids Waterpark was Founded

Fort Rapids Waterpark Columbus opened in May 2006 as Ohio’s first indoor waterpark resort. This upscale resort located on the city’s east side takes guests back in time to experience a piece of America’s Old West through authentic furnishings and artwork found around every corner.

2016DefunctThe End of Fort Rapids Waterpark

Fort Rapids closed in February 2016 due to bug infestations and improper food handling. It was infested with bedbugs and roaches and the cleanliness of the property was known to be terrible. On the last day of operation, a few pumps in the pools were not operating correctly. This caused chlorine gas to infect the air, and multiple families were sick. There was also an electrical fire in the hotel, so everyone, including staff, were evacuated. Columbus Police arrived, and ordered Fort Rapids as a whole to close. It was originally thought that they would open again a few weeks after, when they had done repairs, but they never opened.

2018Abandoned Fort Rapids Building Pipe Busts

On January 2rd, 2018 during the evening, 2 years after they had closed, on one of the two top floors of the hotel, 11 or 12, at least one fire sprinkler burst, and millions of gallons of water rushed through the building. All the elevator shafts and stairs were flooded, as well as the top of the building. Water was spilling out of the building through windows, air vents, and cracks between the bricks. Security spotted it at 7 AM on January 3rd, and called emergency services. The Columbus Fire Department arrived a few minutes later, but could only go a few floors up due to flooding and electrical problems.

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