About Sahara Sams

The Premier Choice in Family Entertainment

Sahara Sam's History

2009

Sahara Sam's Opens to the Public

In March of 2009, Sahara Sam’s Oasis opened its doors in the community of West Berlin as New Jersey’s first free-standing, indoor water park with 58,000 square feet of aquatic and arcade attractions. Each year since its inception, Sahara Sam’s has managed to increase the value of their guest experience by making capital investments in attractions, expansions, and new programs.

The water park is owned and operated by the Girlya family. President Ilya Girlya is quick to note that the success of the water park can be attributed to its staff and the hard work of his family. The Girlya’s business is diversified in various holdings; however a strong emphasis is placed on the local development and management of entertainment venues such as Sahara Sam’s Oasis.

The Sahara Sam’s Oasis Mission: To be the premier choice in family entertainment through innovative design and exceptional service in a safe, friendly, and fun atmosphere.

2010

SAMAZON Ropes Course

In October of 2010, Sahara Sam’s Oasis opened SAMAZON, a four story tall ropes course, (at the time) the tallest in the world – the ropes course was later moved to Diggerland USA.

Visit Diggerland USA Online

2011

SAMBULANCE is Formed

The SAMBULANCE Educational Safety Program was launched. This program is provided by the SAMBULANCE Safety Squad, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, primarily supported financially by Sahara Sam’s Oasis. The program’s mission is to foster the independence of individuals with special needs through educational programming and safety alliances. The Squad travels to special needs schools and organizations to offer complimentary, hands-on programming designed to educate individuals about first responders, 9-1-1 emergencies and basic first aid.

Aquatic Safety Recognition

Sahara Sam’s Oasis was awarded the prestigious Silver International Aquatic Safety Award by Jeff Ellis & Associates, Inc., International Aquatic Safety & Risk Management Consultants.

Special Needs Nights

Sahara Sam’s Oasis continues to grow both economically and as a beacon of community involvement. The introduction of S.E.A.S. evenings, also known as “Special Needs Events at Sam’s” gives families and individuals with special needs the opportunity to share in a pleasant, judgment-free experience at the water park. The events include limited ticket sales to restrict crowding, modified lighting and sounds, quiet rooms, extra seating, and the ability for families to network and make new friends.

2012

The Beach Club Expansion

Sahara Sam’s announced its next expansion project and construction began on a 2-acre, $6.5 million dollar outdoor facility. This latest expansion includes a 25 meter leisure pool, a children’s splash park, full service bar, sand volleyball courts, and a 12,000 square foot wave pool. In conjunction with the outdoor facilities, the park also added another tube slide: The Nile Mile. At 350 feet, this super-fast body slide starts inside the building and snakes around the exterior, eventually reemerging with 50 feet of runway for the guest. The project also includes an 8,000 square foot addition to the current building and features new kitchen facilities, additional restrooms, and expanded party facilities.

2013

Outdoor Water Park Opens

Construction of the outdoor Beach Club Expansion project was completed in May of 2013.

2014

Diggerland USA

Sahara Sams announces a new theme park – Diggerland USA will be built on the adjacent 14 acre foot print and become the first construction theme park in the United States!

2015

Apex Parks Group

California-based Apex Parks Group is pleased to announce the acquisition of Sahara Sam’s Oasis Indoor and Outdoor Water Park and the expansion of its leading portfolio of family entertainment venues.

“Adding Sahara Sam’s Oasis brings a differentiated entertainment concept, a new market and a proven management team to the Apex portfolio,” stated Al Weber, CEO of Apex Parks Group. “As the only free-standing, year-round, indoor-outdoor water park in the United States, Sahara Sam’s Oasis is truly a one-of-a-kind guest experience. Ilya Girlya, CEO of Sahara Sam’s, and his talented team have a well-deserved reputation for innovation and excellence in the entertainment industry, and we are excited they will be joining the Apex family.”

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The Opening of the Mirage Expansion

Sahara Sam’s Oasis newest expansion is open to the public. It features a family leisure pool,Cleopatra’s Cove; and two additional water slides, Tut’s Twisters. The 10,000-square-foot addition to the park is being called the Mirage, keeping up with the existing desert oasis theme of the other 70,000 square feet of the indoor water park.

“We are excited to do our part to help kick off the summer season in South Jersey with the grand opening of the Mirage and opening of the Beach Club falling on Memorial Day weekend,” said Ilya Girlya, CEO of Sahara Sam’s. “The leisure pool and two slides are going to be really unique add-ons; providing our guests with even more excitement and value.”

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Sahara Sam's Today

Today, the facility offers families of the greater Tri-State community affordable, high-value entertainment year-round with 90% of its 68-thousand square feet under a one-of-a-kind retractable roof system. Park features include a 3,000 square foot arcade with the newest gaming systems, the famous FlowRider surfing simulator, numerous water attractions, slides, and more. What’s next for the Oasis? Even with a bleak economic forecast across the nation, President Ilya Girlya takes an optimistic position: “Sahara Sam’s Oasis is an escape, an experience. I can’t let things like the economy effect how we run the park; people visit us to have fun and forget these things. This is my family’s home and we are committed to the success of Sahara Sam’s. When we do well, that means a little more of my community is smiling.”