Carowinds is reinventing its waterpark in the latest chapter of the theme park’s US$50m-plus (£32m, €44m) expansion.

The Charlotte, North Carolina-based attraction revealed plans yesterday (27 August) for a bigger, better, waterpark experience. The existing Boomerang Bay will make way for Carolina Harbor, an “aquatic playground” which will double the current number of slides, adding thrilling rides and modernised amenities.

Entry to Carolina Harbor – set to open in 2016 – will be included in Carowinds’ admission. The new thrill rides will be centred around a 6-storey slide complex – named Blackbeard’s Revenge – and will include a vertical drop trap-door slide and a chute slide with 360-degree turns.

An interactive children’s aquatic play area will feature a 423-gallon tipping bucket and more than 80 other elements. There will also be a new wave pool.

Carolina Harbor is being supplied by Neuman Group and WhiteWater West.

The waterpark area itself will benefit from a re-design and expansion, including a new entrance (allowing waterpark-only guests), new bar and restaurant, volleyball courts and upgraded changing facilities.

Expansion plans got under way last year at the Cedar Fair-owned park with the opening of Fury 325, the world’s tallest and fastest giga coaster.

"We listened to our guests and made a promise to bring them more family-friendly attractions," said Mike Fehnel, Carowinds vice president and general manager.

"We're happy to be delivering on our promise with the addition of Carolina Harbor – a guaranteed ultimate waterpark experience."