A US$46m (€40.5m, £35.6m) waterpark development has opened its doors in the Outer Banks region of North Carolina.

Designed by Aquatic Development Group (ADG), the H2OBX waterpark is catered to families and reflects the feel of the Outer Banks area, according to ADG, who have called it a "new benchmark in Carolina coastal tourism."

The 81,000sq m (871,000sq ft) development took eight months to complete and features more than 20 waterslides and attractions, including the Twin Tides Wave Pool with a dual beachfront on opposite ends; Deep Six Adventure Lagoon with climb, crawl and balance soft mat obstacles and swim zones; A multi-level pirate-themed play structure called Calico Jack’s cove; a number of slides and a 1,000ft (305m) adventure river. The park also uses the FlowRider surf technology as one of its signature attractions.

The waterpark also offers 50 private cabanas, shaded seating areas and multiple food and beverage outlets. The waterpark has put a cap on daily visitor numbers to “create a resort-like feel” according to the developers.

ADG served as lead designer and builder for H2OBX, with WhiteWater West supplying the park’s slides and Weber Group designing themed buildings and structures. Ken Ellis, president and CEO of ADG is also one quarter of the development team alongside Camelback Resort owner Arthur Berry III, former waterpark owner Tim Gantz and businessman Jeff Malarney.

“This has been an extraordinary project because of my own personal involvement and vested interest in H2OBX,” said Ellis, “The waterpark is incredibly innovative because we had the full force of the industry’s best people behind it.”