COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)– The Fort Rapids Indoor Water Park and Resort is now shut down following a history of violations.

An order issued Monday from the Columbus Police Department gave the popular indoor resort until Monday, February 29, to cease all hotel operations. Police say they arrived Monday to evacuate the hotel, but because of malfunctions and a fire, the owners had already asked guests and staff to leave.

“The management decided to close the waterpark last Friday on their own and voluntarily closed down the hotel last evening,” said CPD Officer Scott Clinger.

Experience Hospitality took over managing Fort Rapids a week ago from an individual who leased it during the time most of the fire and health violations occurred. Those violations include bed bugs, cockroaches, air quality, improper food handling, repairs without permits and numerous fire code violations. There were also reports of guests being sickened from the fumes in the water park.

Columbus police issued a statement saying, “The city of Columbus has an obligation to protect our residents, businesses and guests from hotels that do not operate from the standards that have been set.”

The water park’s website describes Fort Rapids are “the perfect family fun travel destination where 60,000 square feet of wet and wild fun is waiting for the whole family.” The site also contains a Seafood Buffet & Grill, meeting and banquet space and a hotel.

The new owner says the facility will be closed at least eight weeks during repairs. The owners hope to get the hotel and water park back up to standard and then get the proper permits. The owners also apologize to anyone who already had reservations.YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: