22 APRIL 2022 By Melissa Hirschl Many Valley residents were sad to hear the latest news about Tempe’s behemoth Big Surf waterpark – which permanently closed its doors this year. When the park opened in October 1969, it immediately became a mecca for summer fun-seekers. The Polynesian- styled palms and high-roofed huts had a distinct character and a loyal following. Known as the first of its kind, the Waikiki Beach Wave Pool held 2.5 million gallons of water and used a unique wave generator that made surfing possible, 350 miles from the nearest ocean. Every 40 seconds, a single traveling wave rose that could carry 30 surfers. Big Surf resulted from the tenacity of one man: Scottsdale construction engineer Phil Dexter, a visionary who looked at 20 acres of Arizona desert and saw the potential for a water park, complete with surfing. The idea evolved while Dexter was on a business trip in California. As he gazed at the rising waves and surfers, he continued toying with the idea of re-creating a surfing scene in Arizona. Before long, enthusiasm for the project solidified, and Dexter spent a year making hydraulic propelled wave generator prototypes in his backyard. The following year he refined the project inside an abandoned billiards hall. He sought out investors and eventually found a company as excited about his idea as he was – Clairol, Inc. It was a win-win, since the company used surfing as a motif to promote hair coloring. Clairol was so impressed by his concept that they invested two million dollars. Soon after, Dexter enrolled engineers, began a patent process, and Big Surf was on its way to becoming a local, national and international icon. In 2013, the waterpark was designated as an American Society of Mechanical Engineers Landmark for the design and construction of the wave pool – which, when it opened, was the only attraction at Big Surf. Initially, it looked just like a beach: real sand and waterfalls surrounded the pool; unfortunately, the heat and the sand weren’t a good mix for patron’s feet, so they replaced it with grass and watered- down sidewalks. The park later added a variety of towering slides and attractions to enhance the park experience. Phoenix resident Susie Mallory was a frequent visitor. “My friends and I went on weekends and enjoyed riding the waves,” she said. “We also saw great concerts: The Beach Boys, Elton John and Pink Floyd. We even had a high school senior class party there in 1976. With the park closing, another part of our youth is gone.” According to Bob Pena, who worked as Big Surf’s manager for over 30 years, the pandemic was one of the factors in the decision to close. “Another factor was the challenge of finding 350-400 lifeguards,” he said. “It’s the end of an era, but I have great memories of the park, and so do my kids, who worked there every season.” Marianne Orlowski, Dexter’s daughter, reflected on the closing: “It was a very magical experience for me,” she recalled. “It was great being a teenager and going there every summer with my friends. We just hung out, swam and surfed. It brings a tear to my eye every time I think about the closing.” The park auctioned off plumbing supplies, swim tubes, bike racks, boogie boards, and more from January to mid- February. That sale was the closing chapter for a park that brought joy to so many. No word yet on the park’s future or what may go in its place. The end of an era: Saying ‘aloha’ to Big Surf Arizona Republic ad from 1969. Photo from LIFE Magazine , circa 1970. My friends and I went on weekends and enjoyed riding the waves. We also saw great concerts: The Beach Boys, Elton John and Pink Floyd. Burgers, Dogs, Burritos! Scrumptious Fish & Chips! Best Chicken Nuggets & Tenders! Fresh Breaded Onion Rings! Children’s Menus at All Locations! Drive Thru/Take-Out is Our Specialty! Phone orders taken till 10:00pm Monday thru Saturday. 602-840-0630 20% off any order over $12.00! Offer expires 4/30/22. Valid with coupon only. Present coupon at time of purchase. May not be combined with any other offer. 1 coupon per person. Valid at all 8 locations. No cash value. Coupon cannot be reproduced. 4121 N. 44th St., Phoenix Cash only. ATM on Patio VOTED BEST LOCAL BURGER IN THE EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE 2020 VOTED BEST SEAFOOD IN THE GLENDALE STAR 2020 VOTED BEST SEAFOOD IN THE EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE 2021 VOTED BEST SEAFOOD IN THE WEST VALLEY VIEW 2021