Ground broke yesterday (20 August) on a US$45m (£27m, €40m) waterpark complex in the city of Katy, Texas, as project leaders promised the “most exciting recreational and entertainment venue” to be built in the region in 50 years.

The project, named Typhoon Texas, is the brainchild of three local businessmen, and is being designed, engineered and supplied by WhiteWater West and Brannon Corp.

With ambitions to offer an experience to compete with the US’s top waterpark brands, such as Schlitterbahn or Wet 'n' Wild, Typhoon Texas will offer a range of rides and attractions, including WhiteWater West’s innovative gaming experience Slideboarding.

According to WhiteWater West representative Scott Haycock, the ride selection is the best North America has seen in the past 10 years. As well as Slideboarding, there will be a wide range of slides (including AquaDrop, Constrictor and Boomerango), a lazy river, a wave pool and a children’s waterplay attraction.

Terry Brannon, president of aquatic design and engineering firm Brannon Corp, added that Typhoon Texas will also employ state-of-the-art water filtration technology to provide the cleanest water possible.

The 43-acre (17-hectare) waterpark site is not far from the city’s Katy Mills mall, currently a focal point for development with a US$48m (£31m, €43m) mixed-use project – featuring convention centre, hotel, retail, offices and homes – planned nearby.

Typhoon Texas itself, which is being financed by Texas Capital Bank and private investors, has the potential to expand in the future and possibly add an accommodation offering.

The waterpark, which is being designed with a strong Texan theme, is slated to open in May 2016.