Because Nothing Says, “Frolic In The Water” Like The Bronx Kill And Harlem River Intermodal Railyard

Never mind the Disneyfication of Times Square, here comes the Six Flagsfication of Randalls Island:

The city is quietly pushing plans to build a massive, Six Flags-style water park on Randalls Island — complete with wave pools, slides, a manmade “adventure river” for rafters and even an indoor, year-round “beach club.”

The $168 million theme park, which would be paid for by a private developer under a 35-year lease with the city, faces a critical hurdle today before the city’s Franchise and Concession Review Committee.

But the park — which was proposed originally in 1999 by then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani at 12 acres — is drawing concern because of its swelling size, now set at 26 acres.

“It’s as if this project has evolved from a wading pool into a tidal wave on the East River,” said Jeff Simmons, a spokesman for city Controller William Thompson, who has a seat on the FCRC and is expected to vote against the project at today’s meeting. Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer also is expected to vote against the project, citing concerns about its size. Still, it is believed the mayor has enough votes on the board to pass the measure.

In addition to the 7-acre indoor beach club, the park — which was approved by the City Council in 2004 — would include 19 acres of outdoor water slides and rides, with additional space required for 1,800 new parking spots.

City officials hope to cut the ribbon for the park, where an all-day ticket will cost $25 for kids and $30 for adults, by Memorial Day 2007.

At $25 a ticket, the city’s youth should easily be able to take advantage of the facility over and over again during hot summer months.

What would Robert Moses think about what they’ve done to his island? (It’s water sports — he might approve!)

See also: Randalls Island.