The Cove® in World Waterpark Magazine by Town of Little Elm

APRIL 2022

The Official Magazine of the World Waterpark Association

Inside The Coolest Place To Be Aquatopia Water Park, Australia

Where Wonders Never Cease

VinWonders Phu Quoc is now Vietnam’s largest theme park and waterpark experience

How-To: Human Resources

Interviewing During The Great Resignation

Fun In Any Weather

At The Cove at The Lakefront in Little Elm, Texas, U.S.A.

RACING REINVENTED

DUELING PIPELINE Experience new levels of competitive water ride racing Patented RallyPOINTs allows riders to get closer than ever Strategic ride path designs enhance the race Efficient operations with NEW Dueling Start

PROSLIDE.. C O M Copyright © 2021 ProSlide Technology Inc. All rights reserved. ProSlide, the ProSlide logo and any other marks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of ProSlide Technology Inc. in Canada, the United States of America and any other countries.

APRIL 2022

CONTENTS

IN EVERY ISSUE

FEATURES 4

HOST A WORLD’S LARGEST SWIMMING LESSON EVENT

Join TEAM WLSL™ on June 23, 2022 10

THE WWA SHOW BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER

Listen to what WWA attendees have to say about the show experience 18

HOW-TO: HUMAN RESOURCES

Interviewing During The Great Resignation BY WAYNE MULLEN 22

INSIDE THE COOLEST PLACE TO BE

Aquatopia Water Park brings home affordable waterpark fun to visitors and residents of Fairfield City, NSW, Australia 30

WHERE WONDERS NEVER CEASE

Upon its opening in early 2021, VinWonders Phu Quoc is now Vietnam’s largest theme park and waterpark experience

WORLD WATERPARK MAGAZINE APRIL 2022

FUN IN ANY WEATHER

Chair’s Column

WWA News

Committee Voices

Member Spotlight

Business Progress

Rave Reviews

Profiles

News Drops

Classifieds

Advertising Index

Now in its second year of operation, The Cove® at the Lakefront, Little Elm, Texas, brings people in from all over the Dallas-Fort Worth area BY ERIN MUDIE 42

RIDING A RECOVERY WAVE IN 2022

After two years of uncertainty, the waterpark industry is poised to see growth in revenue and attendance as demand for family leisure entertainment remains strong BY DAVID J. SANGREE, MAI, CPA, ISHC 48

APRIL 2022

on rk Associati ld Waterpa e of the Wor ial Magazin The Offic

Coolest Inside TeheTo Be c la Puatopia Water Park, Australia Aq

Cease ders Never Vietnam’s largest is now Where Won s Phu Quoc

experience VinWonder and waterpark theme park s an Resource nation Great Resig How-To: Hum g During The Interviewin , U.S.A . Elm, Texas Weather Fun In Anyat The Lakefront in Little At The Cove

HOW-TO: MAINTENANCE

Performing A Seasonal Opening Inspection For Aquatic Play Structures BY CODY BUTCHER

THE COVER A part of the Prairiewood Leisure Centre, Aquatopia Water Park, Fairfield City, NSW, Australia, has been designed around the idea of delivering family fun at reasonable prices. Featuring a large children’s play structure, multiple waterslides and the addition of an innovative new wave pool at the end of 2021, the waterpark now has something for every visitor no matter their age.

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Swimming Lessons Save Lives™

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APRIL 2022

CHAIR’S COLUMN ment of aquatic facilities. Presently, the CDC is in the process of finalizing the fourth edition of the MAHC, which is scheduled to be published in the summer of 2022. In the Q&A portion of a recent webinar sponsored by The National Association of County and City Health Officials, CDC representatives stated that change requests (CRs) were very important to them in identifying areas of improvement. Our industry needs to not only submit CRs when they make sense to improve the MAHC, but we also need to vote on those CRs that come from health professionals or other contributors who may not understand the unique environment that is a waterpark. INTERNATIONAL offers a wealth of opportunities for getting involved including communicating with the world’s top technical experts and business professionals by joining a technical committee. I encourage you to have at least one of your team member’s join ASTM International and participate on the F24.70 subcommittee. The F24.70 subcommittee is currently considering two new standards which may affect your business. One concerns acceleration testing of waterslides with humans, while the other examines standards for wave generators in surf parks. ASTM

INDUSTRY STANDARDS NEED OUR INPUT ENGAGEMENT IN OUR INDUSTRY should extend beyond the confines of our own businesses and our involvement with the World Waterpark Association. Many standard-setting organizations are developing guidelines that have the potential to affect our industry’s operations and attractions. When new standards are developed with our input as waterpark operators and designers, those standards are more effective and more implementable. While the WWA has a strong pulse on what each of these organizations are working on, it is important that you are engaged with them as well. As an owner, operator or supplier, you bring a unique perspective that can improve the process. And while participating in standard-making might seem overwhelming or even dull, it’s vital that we all care about what new standards say and that the final product reflects the best practices we know work in our specific environments. This year, I encourage you to choose from one of the following organizations to get involved with by joining a technical review committee: CDC’S MODEL AQUATIC HEALTH CODE (MAHC)

is a voluntary guidance document updated periodically to reflect the latest science and best practices in aquatic safety. It covers design, construction, operation, maintenance and manage-

has several Standard Writing Committees (SWC) that address public pool and spa design, construction and installation, any one of which may fit your interests or strengths. For example, PHTA2 SWC focuses on Public Pool and Spa Operations and Maintenance and PHTA-9 is specific to Aquatic Recreation Facilities. THE POOL AND HOT TUB ALLIANCE (PHTA)

When it comes to standards and regulations, we need to be part of the process. If you cannot join all three organizations mentioned above, then consider choosing one and getting involved in the coming months. And encourage your management team to do the same. What might seem overwhelming at first will get easier as you attend calls, read standard drafts and participate in the process. To find additional information about these organizations and ways in which you can become involved, scan the corresponding QR codes found above. •

2022 WWA BOARD MEMBERS CHAIR

ANDREW CHAFATELLI Turk Hospitality Group VICE CHAIR

CHRIS LANDGRAVE Deep River Waterpark TREASURER

JESSE VARGAS San Antonio Zoo SECRETARY

BOB OWENS Hyland Hills Water World PAST CHAIR

DAMIEN LATHAM Attractions That Work ADAM BLACKMORE Prospect Recreation and Park District MATT BOYD Whale’s Tale Waterpark MARK DUKES Disney Water Parks and Disney Miniature Golf NATALIE LIVINGSTON ALIVE Solutions MELISSA LOCKWOOD Baha Bay NICK NEUMAN Water Technology, Inc. WAYNE PIERCE The Pierce Law Firm, LLC TIFFANY WOODWARD The Ingleside Hotel and Springs Water Park DAVID ZENG Chengdu Happy Together Tourism & Cultural Development Co.

WWA STAFF PRESIDENT

RICK ROOT DIRECTOR OF TRADE SHOW & ADVERTISING

PATTY MILLER

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & MEMBER SERVICES

KELLY HARRIS

DIRECTOR OF PARK MEMBER DEVELOPMENT

ALEATHA EZRA

PRODUCTION & LEARNING COORDINATOR

BERNADINE BUDA

MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR

CATHY HAGGARTY

TRADE SHOW & ADVERTISING MANAGER

ANDY W. MILLER

GRAPHIC DESIGNER ANDREW CHAFATELLI

ELISA BERG

Chair WORLD WATERPARK MAGAZINE APRIL 2022

WWA NEWS FIND LINKS TO ASTM INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS ON WATERPARKS.ORG

Join ASTM International and participate in the process to create new industryspecific standards and revise those that exist already.

AS PART of its efforts to support the development of global industry standards and regulations, the WWA has member representatives who are actively involved in ASTM International. ASTM International is a globally recognized leader in the development and delivery of voluntary consensus standards. Today, more than 12,000 ASTM standards are used around the world to improve product quality, enhance health and safety, strengthen market access and trade and build consumer confidence. The organization’s leadership in international standards development is driven by the contributions of its members: more than 30,000 of the world’s top technical experts and business professionals representing 140 countries. ASTM Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices was formed in 1978. F24 meets twice a year, usually in February and October, with approximately 350 members from around the world attending two or three days of technical meetings. Within ASTM Committee F24 are a dozen subcommittees, which address specific segments within the general subject area covered by the technical committee. ASTM F24.70 specifically focuses on Water Related Amusement Rides and Devices. The four existing standards that are under the F24.70 Subcommittee are: • F2376-21A - Standard Practice for Classification, Design, Manufacture, Construction, and Operation of Water Slide Systems • F2461-20A - Standard Practice for Manufacture, Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of Aquatic Play Equipment • F3133-21 - Standard Practice for Classification, Design, Manufacture, Construction, Maintenance, and Operation of Stationary Wave Systems • F3158-21 - Standard Practice for Patron Transportation Conveyors Used with a Water Related Amusement Ride or Device These standards are available to purchase from ASTM International for as little as $57. In addition to existing standards, there are two proposed standards currently being reviewed by the Subcommittee: • WK75193 - Classification, Design, Manufacture, Construction, Maintenance, and Operation of Wave Generation Equipment within Surf Venues • WK72594 - Standard Practice for obtaining Acceleration Data on Water Slide Systems Using Human Test Subjects

WORLD WATERPARK MAGAZINE APRIL 2022

Visit Waterparks.org to find links to the above standards on the Hot Topics page. We encourage all WWA members to join ASTM International and participate in the standard-making process. For $75, you can join as a Participating Member, which gives you a variety of benefits including the ability to vote on new standards and on revisions to existing standards and receive regular updates on new standards that can impact your business on a daily basis. Visit https://www.astm.org/get-involved/membership. html to learn more.

DOWNLOAD WWA’S BE WATER AWARE™ KIT

Share important water safety messages with your guests during National Water Safety Month this May, as well as throughout your entire operating season by downloading our Be Aware Aware™ Kit, which is WWA Be Water Aw PR Guidaree available free to you as a current 2022 member. Within the Be Water Aware Kit you will find the following elements: • RADIO PSAS – These five PSAs feature adult and child voices sharing water safety messages on constant adult supervision, swimming with a buddy, learning to swim, looking for lifeguards and following the rules. • WATER SAFETY POSTERS – These eyecatching designs are fun, colorful and share important safety tips for moms and dads • BE WATER AWARE™ LOGO – available in a high resolution format, you can use this colorful logo on your website, in social media posts and in your marketing to further promote safety • BE WATER AWARE PR GUIDE – this detailed PR guide provides tips on generating publicity surrounding water awareness during National Water Safety Month and the regular season. The Guide also includes ways in which you can communicate with the media and creative public relations suggestions you can use to promote your efforts To download the Kit, go to Waterparks.org and login using your username and password. Then, click on “Be Water Aware” under the Resources tab. Once there, you’ll be able to add the Kit to your online shopping cart at no cost. You will then receive a confirmation email containing the link to download the file. The price for non-members is $195. If you need help with your WWA member login, please email Cathy Haggarty at cathy@ waterparks.org or call +1-913-599-0300. • A how-to guide on PUBLIC RELA TIONS & WATER SAFE TY PROM for WWA MEMB OTION ERS

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2022 ©

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TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATIONS COMMITTEE

COMMITTEE VOICES

IMPLEMENT GOOD IDEAS WHEN YOU CAN

By Chelsea Nelson Regional Director Aquatic Management of Indianapolis

SPRING IS FINALLY HERE, and summer is coming quick! For non-aquatics people, this means breaking out the camping gear, dewinterizing the boat and setting up the patio. However, for us pool, waterpark, and resort folk, it’s go-time! We’re busy recruiting and hiring, de-winterizing, preparing for Spring Break, training, ordering, cleaning, trying out all the new gadgets and gizmos installed and implemented over the winter and more. This is the time of year where all our hard work comes to fruition and (hopefully) pays off. I have been lucky enough to spend the last five years on the seasonal side of aquatics, which has been quite the reprieve from spending time in the year-round operations as experienced previously. Greedily, I have greatly enjoyed the extra time available to research ideas and programs, develop new additions to our operation and properly train staff prior to implementation. On the Technology Committee, we have a blend of talented, enthusiastic team members who are currently involved in both seasonal and nonseasonal operations, leading to recommendations and information on topics that can suit all. In 2021, our committee did extensive research on QR codes and the limitless capabilities they hold when utilized to the highest extent. Now, we are moving forward with researching and testing programs used to streamline hiring and interview processes, with the hope that appealing to the technological side of our primary talent pool (who are increasingly tech-savvy) will boost our engagement with these individuals and skyrocket follow-through and retention. We are also focusing on how to efficiently coordinate and combine all those pesky to-do lists with apps and programs that provide the basic essential of list-making features, but also adds pictures to lists and GPS capabilities. Cheers to accountability via technology! Keep an eye out for the results of our research and our recommendations on programs, apps and processes moving forward as our How-To articles and webinars are developed and released. We are currently in the prime time of the season to not necessarily implement new ideas or 42

I would highly suggest that anyone who has considered joining a committee in the past to wait no longer.

WORLD WATERPARK MAGAZINE APRIL 2022

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The Crackingde QR Co

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deuse QR where tos in the operation, firstcombe when and code Selecting ed implementing QRmay be advantageous to when we profeson we used To get start industry or informati the Q&A’s for s aquatic which tasks irements: have lists o. Here are sionals, we And check- cide icated through vide rding uniform requ rega g. mun os re? e vide ever ythin re that we out to creat use this featu ge-aged lists to ensu completed set can they colle ence, and school- to tech-savvy checked and ever, in is the audi arily employs high How already Q. Who each list. pany prim ssionals are panies all individuA. Our com these young profe QR codes. Nearly scan a QR e many com an age wher toward touchless students; that can liar with of device than fami are moving ever-rising numand more e have a type an rang and age nal tasks als in this ger generatio de all ber of youn are entering the code. be to inclu als time to o need to video is too long profession ld the vide , it may be If a and long wou workforce information?ctive? Q. How ational tasks visually, and useful move oper to a tech-savvy required counterprodube communicated on will it be ence, we e platinformati can already . Given our audi interor short, and accessiblthe last rm items long be unifo ld lose e to wou rded form. Over d has A. Sinc did not need o was too long, they worl nds) and reco the video year, the if the vide (20-30 seco increased Nelson assumed thatWe set a time limit seen the By Chelsea larity kly. quic popu est use and in mind. s due displayed with that d? If it is s in operation be publishe if a guest happens of QR code emic, most comthe code t re would tion, what happens to the pand s like restauran Whe il Q. item ic loca Team!” ema monly for mational flyers, regin a publ lcome to the or considmenus, infor ent for services to scan it? embedded in our “We g hired. We also is paym after bein r at our prechecklists. istration, A. This code members receive it available on pape of course, not received ng limits (or that team activities and, it and havi in case the email wasally very supd imagine the ting prin just , However, QR codes were linke typic ered rs of meetings guests are checkof) if season team Parents, clients and ts navigating the wateloyers lack there just documents or ation. not successfully. s and young adul time and effort emps. in the oper to videos, teen used with the code. How eciate the portive of ge employee lists, to be job and apprto involve and enga video? Scan s are retheir first s Onboarding ? What uniform item spot in new thing these take to try team to use to backwash rules at a particular“Follow? from your Pool in icals d? g buyquire to test chem code. you obtain mmend usin rotation? How modules? Scan the create. Q. Can codes, I reco munication to rvice ion of QR codes? of com not difficult ues and know along” in-se l introduct nate form codes are aven Upon initia also have an alter Once team members muLuckily, QR be used in multiple a- A. but on. le-up of com the code, informati for each oper is s can s, the doub the same code These code d and personalized code ring the the cove mize ore, once cted to use able. can be custo facility. Furtherm opposed to they are expe slowly diminish as e code as sending a and tion, team of sharing one singl 43 nication can -to” or BER 2021 ease out a “how ZINE DECEM K MAGA created, the a training, typing g. WATE RPAR g ly refreshin WOR LD schedulin il is thorough detailed ema

For the December 2021 issue of World Waterpark Magazine, the Technology Committee curated an article about using QR codes effectively.

programs, but to make notes each day as we work through “the good, the bad and the ugly.” If you are anything like me, each October is a culmination of “what was I thinking in March and April?!” and “what could I have done different to make it better?” The World Waterpark Association is a goldmine of new and upcoming innovations and ideas and is full of people who want to share their experience, both positive and negative. Take advantage while you can, but never forget the good ideas that you can keep in your back pocket. 2021 was the first year I was blessed to contribute to the Technology Committee. I would highly suggest that anyone who has considered joining a committee in the past to wait no longer. The tools, tips and tricks that I have learned not only in professional meetings but also in informal conversations have elevated my productivity, creativity and drive to succeed. Not to mention the fantastic networking opportunities being part of the committee provides! If you or any of your team members are interested in joining us moving forward, please send us an email at TechCommittee@waterparks.org. Even if you are unable to join us, if you have topics that you would like us to research and discuss, please also send them over! We are continually brainstorming ideas for our upcoming How-To articles and webinars and welcome all ideas. •

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The WWA Show

BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER

“

The WWA Show is where many relationships have begun for us and continue to be made stronger each year.”

“

– CARL BLAHUTA, OWNER, SPLASHWAY WATERPARK & CAMPGROUND

WWA gives me the chance to discuss my business challenges with other professionals who understand what I’m going through. I always walk away with actionable ideas.”

“

Listen to what other WWA Show attendees have to say about the show experience and then add the dates to your calendar for October 4-7, 2022!

– NEVA HEASTON, DIRECTOR PRIVATE DESTINATIONS, ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.

“

This is the best place to meet with, and learn from the leaders in the waterpark industry, hands down.” – NICHOLE BOHNER, AQUATICS MANAGER, ROUND ROCK PARKS AND RECREATION

The WWA Symposium and Trade Show continues to be the best value for the money for my team.”

– MARK MOORE, GENERAL MANAGER, GULF ISLANDS WATERPARK

“

Walking the trade show floor at WWA is the first step in solidifying business relationships that will last the lifetime of your operation.” – JUAN RICHARDS, AQUAVENTURE, ATLANTIS DUBAI

For more details on workshops, networking events, exhibitors or to get registered, go to WWASHOW.org or call +1-913-599-0300

SCH E DU LE SATURDAY October 1, 2022 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. StarGuard ELITE Instructor Development Course – Day 1 of 2

SUNDAY October 2, 2022

8 a.m. - 6 p.m. StarGuard ELITE Instructor Development Course – Day 2 of 2 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification Course – Day 1 of 2 Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Certification Course – Day 1 of 2 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. E&A Lifeguard Instructor Course – Day 1 of 3

MONDAY October 3, 2022

8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification Course – Day 2 of 2 Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Certification Course – Day 2 of 2 & Blended Course 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. E&A Lifeguard Instructor Course – Day 2 of 3 E&A Lifeguard Instructor Course – Renewal

TUESDAY October 4, 2022 ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT Optional Event

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. WWA University: Waterpark Design, Development & Expansion Workshop WWA University: Waterpark Maintenance School WWA University: Ready, Set, Go! A Guide To Getting Started WWA University: Revenue And Group Sales Strategy Workshop WWA Advanced Water Quality Certificate Course 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. E&A Lifeguard Instructor Course - Day 3 of 3

WEDNESDAY October 5, 2022 8 - 8:30 a.m. Express badge pick-up for pre-registrants. 8:45 - 9:45 a.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS 10 - 11:15 a.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. OPENING GENERAL SESSION 12:30 - 6:30 p.m. TRADE SHOW OPEN 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. ANNUAL REUNION PARTY Don’t miss your chance to build industry connections at this signature WWA Show event! You’ll enjoy quality face-to-face networking time with hundreds of water leisure professionals who are moving the industry forward on a daily basis.

THURSDAY October 6, 2022 8 - 8:30 a.m. Express badge pick-up for pre-registrants. 8:45 - 9:45 a.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS 10 - 11 a.m. KEYNOTE SESSION 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. TRADE SHOW OPEN   3:30 - 4:45 p.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS 5 - 6 p.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS

FRIDAY October 7, 2022 8 - 8:30 a.m. Express badge pick-up for pre-registrants. 9 - 10 a.m. KEYNOTE SESSION

wwashow.org

10:15 - 11:15 a.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT MISSY HOLLANDER WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?

Aquatics Coordinator St. Charles Parks & Recreation Department St. Charles, Missouri, U.S.A. missy.hollander@stcharlesparks.com

I began working as a lifeguard for the St. Charles Parks & Recreation Department in 2003 at the age of 16 and continued to work for them throughout high school and college. I received my bachelor of science degree in middle school math education in 2009 from the University of Missouri and pursued a career as an 8th grade math teacher for one year. During that year, it became clear that I belonged in the aquatics industry instead of the classroom. I left teaching and was eventually hired on as the full-time Aquatics Coordinator for St. Charles in August of 2011 where I am still currently employed today. WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?

I am an Instructor Trainer and Lifeguard Instructor for Ellis & Associates. I also have my Certified Parks & Recreation Professional, Certified Pool Operator and ServSafe certifications. WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?

My aquatics team received the Silver International Aquatic Safety Award from Ellis & Associates in 2021. WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?

Working at the pools was the best job I ever had while growing up. When having to choose a major, I ultimately decided on education. When I quickly realized that teaching wasn’t what I was meant to do, I made the easy decision to quit and to pursue my passion in the aquatics industry.

WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?

I love that people come to our facilities to have fun and make memories. I really enjoy watching everyone use our facilities and seeing the endless smiles, laughter and pure enjoyment that they give off while doing so. WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?

I have been most inspired by my first supervisor, Rosie Rosenthal. She hired and trained me as a lifeguard when I was 16 and I had the privilege of learning from her for 9 years. She taught me everything I needed to know to jump start my career in aquatics. She gave me the confidence to believe that I, in fact, was a “pool pro” and was capable of doing this job. She passed along her passion for this job and I can truly say I would not be in this position today if not for her. WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?

In 2018, St. Charles opened two brand new renovated aquatic facilities. That summer was the greatest challenge I have had in my career for many reasons. Although I was extremely excited and blessed with the opportunity, I had worked with the same facilities for 15 years and now had to relearn everything. I found myself training staff on things I myself wasn’t 100 percent confident on. Our annual attendance doubled and we found ourselves struggling with staffing issues. It was an exhausting summer but we made it through and learned many valuable lessons. HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?

Personally, getting together with other industry professionals keeps me motivated. Being able to discuss issues you might have, challenges you’ve encountered or being able to share new ideas helps to remind me that I’m not the only one who encounters challenges and it reignites the passion I have for this career. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?

Wapelhorst Aquatic Facility is one of two new aquatic centers opened by the St. Charles Parks & Recreation Department in 2018.

WORLD WATERPARK MAGAZINE APRIL 2022

I would tell them to start by working as a lifeguard and as an aquatic manager. I think it is important to experience and understand what it takes for those positions before you oversee the entire operation. It is also important to understand that in this industry the hours are not consistent and they are long. You must be willing to do what it takes to get the job done, while also CONTINUED ON PAGE 59

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT SHAWN KIDD WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?

Director of Operations Island H2O Water Park Kissimmee, Florida, U.S.A. Shawn.Kidd@IslandH2OLive.com

I had the good fortune of working for the Walt Disney Company for 15 years, serving in a variety of leadership roles across their three waterparks and six of their resort recreation properties. I only left the Disney company to become a 5-year consultant to them with Jeff Ellis Management. I subsequently spent 5 years with IAM StarGuard ELITE in both corporate and operations leadership roles. More recently, I’ve been the Operations Director at Island H2O Water Park since its opening in 2019. WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?

I am a Level 5 Instructor with StarGuard ELITE. I’m authorized to certify candidates as lifeguards, instructors and Instructor Trainers and I’m a licensed auditor. It’s a great program. WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?

While I’m proud to have received a number of “excellence” awards during my Disney tenure, my biggest privilege was running lifeguard competitions. I’ve coordinated several big ones and it’s always rewarding. Lifeguards spend a lot of time on-stand by themselves and their performance can be easily overlooked. These competitions allow them a rare opportunity to showcase their skills and compete against the best of the best. WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?

I grew up in Pennsylvania, but I fell in love with the pools and beaches of Florida over the course

of several family vacations. After attending Penn State for college, I finally moved to Orlando and became a Lake Patrol Cast Member at one of Disney’s marinas. I’m not sure anything beats hanging out on a boat all day. WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?

My underlying passion has always been aquatic safety. No one has a good time if they’re injured or worse. I built a base of knowledge by becoming an instructor and auditor for three programs: ARC, E&A and SGE. WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?

Disney had an Executive VP named, Lee Cockerell. Lee is an extraordinary speaker on leadership and time management. I had his Great Leader Strategies cassette tapes on repeat in my early days. He taught me to focus on the people (our team members and our guests) and I’ve found that most things fall into place once you do. While Lee is retired these days, he still publishes books and podcasts and has his own leadership school. WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?

Without a doubt, my biggest challenge was when I left aquatics to learn another recreation line of business. I won’t be doing that again. HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?

Do what you’re passionate about and you won’t find yourself with focus and motivation problems. “Work” won’t seem like work. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?

Everyone needs a niche, some area of mastery and expertise that sets you apart from others. For me, it was aquatic safety. At the same time, be sure to diversify your experience so you’re wellrounded. Just within the operations we need to remember admissions, parking, security, custodial, first aid, food & beverage and retail. And then there’s HR, maintenance, finance and sales/ marketing. If you someday want to lead the whole team, you can’t just focus all of your experience on one role. WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?

Comically, I do a lot of Googling. We have an alldepartments ”breakout” meeting every morning Island H2O Water Park has a variety of interactive ride experiences that allow guests to earn points to redeem in the park.

WORLD WATERPARK MAGAZINE APRIL 2022

CONTINUED ON PAGE 59

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BUSINESS PROGRESS HOW ETHICAL IS YOUR WORKPLACE?

A clearly written code of conduct can help you communicate to your employees what you expect in terms of ethical behavior in the workplace.

ACCORDING TO Work Institute, “ethics in the workplace is defined as the moral code that guides the behavior of employees with respect to what is right and wrong in regard to conduct and decision making.” As a waterpark manager, you want your business to be perceived as one that values on ethical behavior, makes guest and employee safety the top priority and delivers as much fun to visitors as possible. The last thing you want is for guests who visit your park to see behaviors that imply a lack of ethics within your facility. To help you determine whether or not your workplace is displaying ethical behavior, take the following brief quiz. For each question, choose whether the behavior discussed is something you: often see or do, sometimes see or do or never see or do. Circle whichever answer best fits your operation.

Now, give yourself 3 points for every time you circled Often, 2 points for every time you circled Sometimes and 0 points for every time you circled Never. If you scored less than 10 points, then you should feel confident that ethical work behaviors are already a part of your work culture. Of course, there’s always room to improve, so this is still a great opportunity to address any items that scored higher. If you scored between 10 and 20 points, then you might have some changes to make to ensure ethical behaviors are part of your work culture. Take a look at where you scored 3’s and really think about how often you see these behaviors displayed. Let’s say, for example, that you answered Often on question 4. Ok, so popularity could mean likeability and being liked is a reason to move someone up into a management position. However, if you are promoting only those people you like regardless of the skill or longevity of others on your team, then that is not the most ethical way to make decisions on who to promote. Next time you are ready to promote a current employee into a management position, make skills, longevity, recommendations by more than one current manager the key points of consideration. If you scored more than 20 points, then you 1. Employees check emails or read the news on have a work ethic problem that needs to be adtheir phone while on the clock. dressed with everyone on your team. For exOFTEN SOMETIMES NEVER ample, if employees are often stealing time and 2. Employees grab food or a soda without paying goods from your business and no one is challengfor it. OFTEN SOMETIMES NEVER ing this behavior the first time it’s suspected, then you have a problem with ethics within your man3. Managers discuss things they’ve seen on team agement team. Your first step could be to review members’ social media pages. your employee training manual to see how you OFTEN SOMETIMES NEVER have discussed ethical work behaviors in the past. 4. Decisions to promote are based on popularity. Have you clearly outlined what are considered acOFTEN SOMETIMES NEVER ceptable ethical work practices for your business? Do you have a code of conduct that holds em5. Employee complaints are addressed only ployees accountable for displaying ethical work when business is slow. behaviors? If ethics have not been a part of your OFTEN SOMETIMES NEVER training manuals before, now is the time to revise 6. Gossip is shared during staff meetings. and add to your manuals. Consider researching OFTEN SOMETIMES NEVER codes of conduct for other businesses and use the best of what you find to draft a new code of con7. Maintenance issues are put off until the end of duct for your facility. the season. OFTEN SOMETIMES NEVER Remember that problems with ethical work 8. Invoices are held until they have to be paid. behaviors don’t happen overnight and they canOFTEN SOMETIMES NEVER not be addressed in a few days. Changing your work culture will take time and patience. It will 9. Employees get friends and family in without be worth it though because if you let your ethics paying. OFTEN SOMETIMES NEVER slide to the point that guests notice it, you will 10. Employees bend the ride rules when the park be dealing with serious perception problems that is closed. OFTEN SOMETIMES NEVER drive down visitor numbers in a hurry. •

WORLD WATERPARK MAGAZINE APRIL 2022

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HOW-TO: HUMAN RESOURCES INTERVIEWING DURING THE GREAT RESIGNATION BY WAYNE MULLEN

compliant job interview. Be reminded that many applications and resumes contain untruths or heavily exaggerated accomplishments and skills. It is important for you to interview applicants in order to truly assess a candidate’s strengths, weaknesses, suitability and fit for the job. An interview should never be simply a rehashing of an applicant’s application or resume. You need to ask some tough questions and then you need be prepared to listen to the answers given . . . really listen. WHAT TO AVOID IN YOUR NEXT INTERVIEW

Make sure that your new hires have what it takes to make your organization successful.

WHETHER IT IS CALLED the Great Resignation or the Great Upgrade, a record number of employees have voluntarily left their jobs. Some will never return to the workplace while others are seeking to find a better opportunity. Economists are saying that the United States is facing the worst labor shortage since World War II. With the unprecedented number of people who have left employment, comes a historic number of job openings. Organizations like yours are scrambling for employees. The competition to attract new hires is great and there is a competitor on every corner, so it seems. Companies are offering increased pay, sign-on bonuses, flex time, educational incentives, additional benefits, etc. to attract the same people you are trying to attract. Some companies are lowering their hiring standards in order to find a larger field of candidates. In recent months I have heard employers make statements like, “All we want are warm bodies, we don’t care if they are qualified or not.” While understanding the plight so many employers find themselves in, you need to be reminded that sometimes having nobody is better than having somebody. Think about it. Hiring right is still extremely critical to the success of your organization and don’t be fooled into thinking otherwise. The flippant hiring of unqualified candidates will come back to bite. Don’t just look for warm bodies. Make sure that your new hires have what it takes to make your organization successful. One of the best ways to conclude that an applicant is a great fit for your organization is to conduct a reliable and legally

WORLD WATERPARK MAGAZINE APRIL 2022

Certainly interviews need to be compliant with all guidelines set by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (www.eeoc.gov). All applicants are to be treated with respect and dignity and are not to be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. Here is a sampling of some questions that should never be asked of any applicant: • Where did you grow up? • Are you a U.S. citizen? • Where were your parents born? • What is your native language? • What kind of accent is that? • How old are you? • What year did you graduate from high school? • What is your marital status? • With whom do you live? • Do you plan to have a family? • How many children do you have? • What are your child-care arrangements? • Do you have health-care coverage through your spouse? • What is your race? • What clubs or social organizations do you belong to? • What can you tell us about yourself? • Do you have any disabilities? • Have you had any recent history of illness or operations? • When was the date of your last physical exam? • How is your family’s health? • Have you sought or are you currently receiving psychological treatment? • How many days of sick leave did you take last year? • Have you ever been addicted to drugs? • What medications do you currently take?

• Are you able to stand, walk, lift, etc.? • Have you ever received workers’ compensation or disability payments? • Are you pregnant? • Have you ever gone out on FMLA? • Have you ever been arrested? • What is your religion? • What church do you attend? • What holidays do you observe? • When do you plan to retire? If you are unsure of whether or not a question is in compliance, err on the side of caution and simply don’t ask the question. And be careful about small talk with a job candidate before, during and after the interview. Small talk can create big problems for you! Your conversations with applicants should only be job related. WHAT YOU SHOULD ASK DURING AN INTERVIEW

There are various interviewing styles, but you can hardly go wrong with a structured interview conducted by a panel or interview team. Sometimes referred to as a patterned interview, the structured interview includes approximately ten pre-determined questions that are asked of all candidates. This makes it possible for the interview team to evaluate and compare candidates fairly and to defend any hiring decision. Don’t be afraid to dig for information. The purpose of any interview is to pinpoint job skills, including people skills that are essential to the available position. Of course there are many job related questions that can legitimately be asked during an interview. Here are just a few. • With your background, what will you bring to the agency?

• What do you believe makes you qualified for the position for which you applied? • What are some of your professional accomplishments? • Based on what you know about the position, in what areas would you need additional training? • What disappointments have you had on your present job? • For what things have your supervisors complimented you? • What do you like most about your present job? • Do you get along with your supervisor? On a scale of one to five, five being the best, where do you think your supervisor would rate you? Where do you think your co-workers would rate you? • Tell us about a time you made a mistake at work. How did you handle this? • How important is it for an employee to be ethical in the workplace? How do you define ethical? • Have you been promoted since working with your present employer? Was it based on length of service or merit? • Why are you leaving your present job? • How do you define good customer service? • How would co-workers and customers describe you? • In what kinds of situations do you find it most difficult to deal with people? • You perceive that your supervisor as being unfair to you. How are you going to react? • What would you want in your next job that you are not getting now? • Has your previous work been accomplished as a team or have you worked alone? CONTINUED ON PAGE 60

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Since opening in 2016, Aquatopia Water Park has expanded several times to add more exciting attractions.

E H T E INSID E B O T E C A L P

S HOME G N I R B K TER PAR A W VISITORS A I O P T O T N A U F AQU TERPARK , A W E L B ELD CITY A I D F R R I O A F F F A OF IDENTS S E R . D N A STRALIA U A , W S N

WORLD WATERPARK MAGAZINE APRIL 2022

or moms, dads and kids seeking a way to beat the heat in Sydney’s Western suburbs, they need look no further than Aquatopia Water Park, a unique and ground-breaking waterpark that is part of the Prairiewood Leisure Centre. The Prairiewood Leisure Centre is a large aquatic center that features a 50-meter outdoor pool, a 25-meter indoor pool, a gymnasium, indoor water play areas and several other amenities. The center was built to serve the health and recreational needs of the local community. Members can exercise on their own, participate in group fitness classes from Aqua classes to

Zumba or take advantage of a complimentary one-on-one consultation with an exercise trainer. Learn-to-swim classes also are available for all ages, from infants, preschoolers, tweens and teens to adults who may have minimal swim skills or wish to further develop their skills. Memberships are available in a variety of packages and are reasonably priced to make them affordable to those who live in the surrounding areas. Prairiewood Leisure Centre’s most unique feature though is undoubtedly Aquatopia Water Park. Thanks to its attraction mix that provides something fun for everyone, Aquatopia has become one of the most popular places to to be during the hot summer months.

CREATING A PLACE TO ENJOY WATER ATTRACTIONS

To start, Aquatopia was built in four phases with the first phase beginning in 2015. Aquatopia Water Park officially opened in 2016 and its initial offerings included a large splash pad and a 10-meter waterslide tower, constructed by Swimplex Aquatics with waterslides by Polin Waterparks.

WORLD WATERPARK MAGAZINE APRIL 2022

Guests who visit can rent a cabana that holds up to 30 people and offers access to a BBQ area.

The large aquatic play structure, which remains the centerpiece of the waterpark, sits on 800 square meters of colorful, zero depth splash pad. Four body slides from the 10-meter tower offer different experiences for all ages. Additionally, phase one of the project included the installation of a toddler pool with static features from Parkequip and Waterplay, along with a series of rentable cabanas to help families make a full day of it at Aquatopia. Following the very successful opening of the waterpark, Aquatopia welcomed “Stingray,” an endless surf ride from Murphys Waves, and a fish pipe inflatable water ride in 2017. Then, in 2018, Swimplex Aquatics and Polin Waterparks were again chosen to deliver the next phase of the waterpark. This expansion included a 20-meter slide tower, which was another first for a council-owned facility in Australia. The new waterslides included a three lane headfirst racer slide, a free fall slide and a “Looping Rocket” trap-door style slide. These additions elevated Aquatopia into a different league and were extremely well received by the community.

CONTINUING THE EXPANSION AT AQUATOPIA

Following these successful additions, the waterpark was ready for a new expansion, which began in 2019 but was delayed until 2021 due to challenges created by the COVID pandemic. For its latest expansion, the waterpark decided to add a wave pool. Aquatic Development Group, a company well known for

WORLD WATERPARK MAGAZINE APRIL 2022

THE LARGE AQUATIC PLAY STRUCTURE, WHICH REMAINS THE CENTERPIECE OF THE WATERPARK, SITS ON 800 SQUARE METERS OF COLORFUL, ZERO DEPTH SPLASH PAD.

its many first-to-market wave system innovations, was brought in to create the only wave pool on the market purposely designed and built to employ waves for three distinct applications: boogie boarding, learn-tosurf and recreational waves. This project posed many unique challenges that went beyond the scope of the wave system, including designing the bathymetry for a small footprint pool and a request to incorporate space within the pool for learn-to-swim programming. Swimplex Aquatics was once again engaged to help with the build of this complex pool design. Working within a limited site plan, the challenge faced by ADG and Swimplex was to design and build this multi-programmable wave pool within a compact footprint of only 40-meters in length. The pool itself would be a stainless steel modular pool provided by Myrtha Pools from Italy. To create the wave system, ADG developed an enhanced version of their existing Breaker Beach boogie boarding pool and utilized a pneumatic computerized wave technology application that allows for precise wave performance monitoring and timing. This enables the park’s ride operators to easily tailor the waves for each type of application, for example, providing shorter wave intervals for recreational waves, and longer intervals for boogie boarding and learn-to-surf. Due to travel restrictions brought about by the pandemic, ADG’s wave engineers were not able to be on site during the project. Hence, much of the work was done between ADG, Swimplex and the folks on the ground at Aquatopia through the incorporation of multiple remote technologies to program and commission the wave system. CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

The waterpark’s latest addition is a new wave pool, which offers learnto-surf options.

AQUATOPIA WATER PARK AT PRAIRIEWOOD

AQUATOPIA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

Despite the challenges, the wave pool opened during the waterpark’s Grand Opening in November 2021. Since opening, the wave pool has been a hit with visitors—both because of the ride experience and the appeal of the surrounding area. Surrounded by tropical landscaping with a large TV and several new cabanas are available to rent, the wave pool is becoming a key spot to spend the day at the waterpark.

PRAIRIE VALE ROAD, PRAIRIEWOOD, NSW, AUSTRALIA 2176 HTTPS://WWW. FAIRFIELDCITYLEISURECENTRES .COM.AU/AQUATOPIA-WATER-PARK/ OWNERS: FAIRFIELD CITY, AUSTRALIA ADMISSION PRICES: SEE WEBSITE FOR PRICING DETAILS DATES OPEN: YEAR-ROUND

THE WORK IS NEVER DONE

From the very beginning, the Fairfield City Council has built this facility with their community in mind, and it has been wildly successful. The park has been designed around the idea of delivering family fun at reasonable prices. A day at Aquatopia Water Park costs a fraction of that of a commercial waterpark thus putting it in reach for more of the community. There are more plans afoot for the park, as keeping the attractions fresh is part of what makes the waterpark so appealing. To learn more about Aquatopia Water Park, visit https://www. fairfieldcityleisurecentres.com.au/aquatopia-water-park/. •

WORLD WATERPARK MAGAZINE APRIL 2022

SUPPLIERS

DEVELOPMENT/DESIGN: SWIMPLEX AQUATICS CONSULTANTS: SWIMPLEX AQUATICS; AQUATIC DEVELOPMENT GROUP (ADG) CONSTRUCTION: SWIMPLEX AQUATICS WATERSLIDES: POLIN WATERPARKS WAVE POOL: SWIMPLEX AQUATICS; MYRTHA POOLS WAVE GENERATOR: AQUATIC DEVELOPMENT GROUP (ADG) SURF SIMULATOR: MURPHYS WAVES CHILDREN’S INTERACTIVE PLAY STRUCTURE: WATERPLAY CHILDREN’S EQUIPMENT: PARKEQUIP FILTRATION EQUIPMENT: SAND FILTERS (WATERSLIDES); UFF (WAVE MACHINE AND WAVE POOL)

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RAVE REVIEWS WINNERS: POSTER “Anti-design offers designers a chance to breakdown conventional boundaries that have been in place for a number of years.” – JOSEPH FOLEY

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IF YOU’VE READ ANY ARTICLES lately about noteworthy design trends in 2022, you’ve probably seen the term “anti-design” pop up on a number of lists. While the term might sound a little scary, anti-design could be worth exploring if you’re looking to push the envelope a bit with your next marketing campaign. According to Joseph Foley, a freelance journalist and editor at Creative Bloq, anti-design offers designers a chance to breakdown conventional boundaries that have been in place for a number of years. “Whether it’s a result of the COVID-19 pandemic or simple boredom, some people just aren’t accepting the neat, harmonious homogeneity that’s emerged from the conventions of app design with its emphasis on usability. Instead,

they’re turning to the influence of what’s been described as a new anti-design: an anything-goes riot of clashing colors, types, irregular shapes and jarring collages.” Of course, using an anti-design concept probably won’t work for your 2022 billboard, but it could be something fun to try for your new poster artwork. Whether you’re promoting a dive-in movie, an in-park concert or a special season pass offer, anti-design concepts could make your next poster design really stand out. Read about the 7 other design trends that Foley has identified as key in the coming months: https://www.creativebloq.com/features/graphicdesign-trends-2022. Then, check out the winning work from the 2021 Wave Review winners for best poster. •

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Where Wonders Never Cease

heme parks and waterparks are certainly not a new trend in Vietnam. Yet, with the opening of VinWonders Phu Quoc in spring 2021, visitors to this tourist destination now have one of the region’s most expansive new amusement park and waterpark to enjoy together as a family. Sitting on nearly 50 hectares, VinWonders offers guests a chance to freely explore distinct subdivisions never seen before in Vietnam. One design feature that makes VinWonders Phu Quoc noteworthy is it contains five fully immersive areas, each of which are filled with their own special theming, rides, guest experiences and food and shopping outlets. A sixth area, to be opened in 2022, called The Sea Shell will add a large aquarium attraction to VinWonders

WORLD WATERPARK MAGAZINE APRIL 2022

Typhoon World is the waterpark section at Vin Wonders Phu Quoc. It features 36 waterslides and other attractions.

Phu Quoc’s offerings. In ADVENTURE WORLD, visitors can enter an ancient civilization with majestic Mayan palaces or divine Greek temples. For those who are brave enough, Adventure World is where guests can ride on one of the fastest roller coaster in the world, “Wrath of Zeus.” Provided by Vekoma Rides, “Wrath of Zeus” is the first Firestorm Launch Coaster and is equipped with Vekoma’s MK1101 train. The 16 riders are safely secured in their comfortable seats, with individual lap bar restraints equipped with a flexible polystyrene vest that comfortably stabilizes the rider’s upper body, but doesn’t take away from the experience. From the launch the train blasts off to a speed of over 100 km/h in less than 4 seconds! What follows is a thrilling ride that includes 3 inversions, 4 airtime hills

Upon its opening in early 2021, VinWonders Phu Quoc is now Vietnam’s largest theme park and waterpark experience.

Sitting on nearly 50 hectares, VinWonders offers guests a chance to freely explore distinct subdivisions never seen before in Vietnam.

WORLD WATERPARK MAGAZINE APRIL 2022

Fantasy World offers rides with fairy taleinspired themes many of which offer the perfect backdrop for fun photos.

Top Performers For Pools, Water Parks and Aquatics Features

and 6 forceful turns—a must-ride for anyone who spends time in Adventure World. The continued journey through VinWonders Phu Quoc will bring visitors into an ethereal FANTASY WORLD that features all the wonders of the world. Fans of “Alice in Wonderland” should definitely pay the “Wonderland” attraction a visit. Here they can reunite with childhood friends like the Mad Hatter, the mysterious, smiling Cheshire Cat and the White Rabbit—who is late all the time. Visitors to this section can also transform into western cowboys through interesting challenges and games. The “Mystic Forest” further recreates famous fairy tales of Vietnam. This is an ideal place for children to learn about Vietnamese folk culture and the meaning of ancient tales. The setting of EUROPEAN STREETMOSPHERE is inspired by medieval Europe and gives tourists the best insights into the life and customs of Europeans. Visitors can check-in at the Fire Phoenix Square and Copenhagen Market with impressive backgrounds for Instagrammable photos. On a Viking boat, visitors to MYSTERIOUS VIKING VILLAGE will start their expedition to uncover the secrets of the ancient Northern tribe. Guests may watch the impressive cultural show of the Viking village at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. every day. This is another place where guests won’t want to forget to snap plenty of photos with mighty warriors! CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

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Interactive shows are hosted throughout VinWonders Phu Quoc to keep guests entertained throughout their visit.

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The Suspended Water Coaster is a perfect addition for theme and water parks that combines the thrills of a coaster with the fun of water. WATCH OUT OR GET WET The coaster is truly interactive: equipped with water bombs and laser guns, guests can set off the water bombs and shoot at targets while spectators can in turn shoot with water cannons at the riders. This coaster is an entertaining eye-catcher in your park! WWW.VEKOMA.COM

WORLD WATERPARK MAGAZINE APRIL 2022

“Serpent’s Venom” is the first of its kind in Vietnam.

VINWONDER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

provides fun for the whole family as they attempt to cross the watery stream ahead. • “WAIKIKI SURFING.” This ride allows friends to challenge each other to conquer the attraction’s fierce waves. • “HONOLULU WATER PLAY.” This play structure offers a combination of many different slides, which provides young visitors with many interesting experiences. • “SERPENT’S VENOM.” Vietnam’s first python-shaped waterslide offers riders an unforgettable 175-meter-long slide. Peppered throughout the waterpark are a variety of food and beverage outlets that allow visitors to fuel up and recharge before getting back out to enjoy the rides and games. Happy Snack offers waterpark guests a chance to recharge quickly by grabbing a snack. For those with a little more time, The Gateway is a buffet restaurant serving delicious typical Asian-European dishes with unique flavors. Finally, a third option located in Typhoon World is Hawaiian Feast, where guests can enjoy Hawaiian-inspired cuisine. Whichever area guests might find themselves exploring, the only way to fully experience all that VinWonders Phu Quoc has to offer is to attend its excellent art shows. The park’s spectacular performances include “Once,” a show that combines state-of-the-art effects with water, music and theater arts. Other performances include the Viking joyful DEVELOPMENT/DESIGN: dance and the Maya battle ADVANCED AQUARIUM song, both of which deTECHNOLOGIES; IRMS; liver positive energy and JORA VISION; LEGACY help visitors fully relax ENTERTAINMENT; PICO PLAY; QUANTUM CREATIVE STUDIOS; after a day of riding thrillUNITE ART; VIET ARCHITECTURE ing coasters and slides. •

SUPPLIERS

Last—but definitely not least—is TYPHOON WORLD, the exciting waterpark section that is one of VinWonders Phu Quoc’s most popular spaces to spend time. Featuring a wide assortment of waterslides, Typhoon World delivers endless fun through a series of water games, including the 2 largest waterslides in Vietnam. “A unique waterpark with 36 amazing waterslides provided by Polin has contributed to bringing great experiences to customers, An making VinWonders a must-see destination in Phu Quoc,” said Award-Winning Nguyen Duy Tien, VinWonders. “Located on 50 hectares of land, VinWonders Phu Quoc Waterpark! has won the record for the largest theme park in VietIn October 2021, Typhoon nam. This grand amusement park is expected to be Asia’s World at VinWonders Phu biggest and most exciting entertainment center. We are Quoc was honored by the World proud to have supplied signature waterslides for Typhoon Waterpark Association’s Board World at Vinwonders Phu Quoc,” said Gulcan Aksoy, Poof Directors with a Leading Edge lin Waterparks. Award, which honors innovative Exploring the fun found at Typhoon World For its theming, Typhoon World takes inspiration in the tropical beauty and rich cultural heritage of Hawaii. Color choices, vegetation, attraction names—all have been selected with care to provide a truly outstanding guest experience. Attraction highlights found inside Typhoon World include: • “VICIOUS HAWAII.” For those brave enough, riders can experience what it’s like to ride a vortex with a length of 25 meters and a height of 18 meters and a radius of 5 meters. • “OAHU WAVES.” Sitting on an area of 4,500-square-meters, the wave pool is designed in the shape of a seashell and provides many different levels of waves to keep guests well-entertained. • “ENCHANTED RIVER.” This mysterious river, with a length of 400 meters, provides an ideal place for tourists to relax after experiencing the intense challenges of the waterpark’s thrilling waterslides. • “UPSTREAM CHALLENGE.” This winding flume waterslide

WORLD WATERPARK MAGAZINE APRIL 2022

new waterpark designs around the world.

CONSULTANTS: AEDP; ARUP; ATTRACTIONZ CONSULTANCY; INNO COMPANY; RIDE ENGINEERS SWITZERLAND

RIDE SUPPLIERS: BROGENT; EXTREME ENGINEERING; INTAMIN; METALLBAU EMMEIN; MURPHYS WAVES; POLIN WATERPARKS; SIMWORX; TECHNICAL PARK; TRIOTECH; VEKOMA; WHITEWATER; WIEGAND.WATERRIDES GMBH; ZAMPERLA WATERSLIDES: POLIN WATERPARKS; WHITEWATER WAVE POOL: MURPHYS WAVES

TYPHOON WORLD

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WORLD WATERPARK MAGAZINE APRIL 2022

The City of Little Elm developed its indoor waterpark based on input from residents.

NOW IN ITS SECOND YEAR OF OPERATION, THE COVE® AT THE LAKEFRONT, LITTLE ELM, TEXAS, BRINGS PEOPLE IN FROM ALL OVER THE DALLAS-FORT WORTH AREA.

BY ERIN MUDIE

estled on the shores of Lewisville Lake, the Town of Little Elm, Texas, thrives on outdoor recreation activities. The Cove at The Lakefront® offers an exciting indoor opportunity for residents and visitors. Boating, jet-skiing and tubing are popular in this lakeside community, as is hitting the beach—Little Elm boasts the largest public beach in North Texas, complete with sand volleyball courts, kayaking and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals. In large part, Little Elm’s leadership focused on developing these outdoor amenities and activities for its stakeholders to enjoy, which, in

turn, brought more business to local eateries and businesses. However, Little Elm found that when the seasons shifted away from sunny skies and warm temperatures, residents and visitors stayed indoors. To increase traffic and interest in Little Elm during the off-season, the town undertook the development of an indoor waterpark and built The Cove at The Lakefront®, a 42,000-square-foot facility in the heart of town. Residents of Little Elm were also interested in the development of the facility. In the town’s 2015 Parks Survey, residents ranked an aquatic facility in the top three most-desired amenities. Construction of the facility began in July of 2019 and took WORLD WATERPARK MAGAZINE APRIL 2022

AME THAT COMPLEM ANTED A N ENTED OU R LAKE-TO D “WE W WN FEEL, AND WE HA U O S H A T N A D N S A U B H M T I SSIONS B MORE EFORE WE PICKED “THE COVE.”

roughly 20 months to complete. During construction, the town crowd-sourced the name for the facility through a contest. “We wanted a name that complemented our lake-town feel, and we had more than a thousand submissions before we picked The Cove®,” said Jason Peebles, Little Elm’s Managing Director of Recreation. “The Cove® is a great addition to Little Elm, and we believe it will draw people from all over the region to the Lakefront District. People will be able to visit and enjoy The Cove®, dine at one of our great local restaurants and experience our other fantastic amenities,” said Economic Development Corporation Director Jennette Espinosa. The location of The Cove® was strategic—right in the heart of the growing and thriving Lakefront District. This destination district has quickly become the main draw to Little Elm. “The goal is to draw visitors from all over the Metroplex to stay and play and enjoy all Little Elm has to offer while increasing traffic to local businesses,” Espinosa said. SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE “The Cove® packs in a ton of unique features, and we made sure there’s something for all ages,” said Elissa Malone, Aquatics Manager for the facility. The Cove® features a retractable roof, so visitors can enjoy its amenities year-round—an essential factor for Little Elm when planning the facility. “The Cove® is not your average waterpark. We can close the roof, so the fun doesn’t stop during a downpour or in the middle of winter,” Malone said. This facility also features the only FlowRider® Double within a 30mile radius. This popular wave-surfing machine is one of the first attractions to greet visitors when they enter the facility. Above it is a giant video wall playing videos, sporting events and other content. “FlowRider® users can also see themselves on the big screen,” Malone said. The video wall is also used for rentals and facility buyouts. The Cove® is also equipped with two fake-out waterslides, including one stand-up slide, a “lazy” river, a large play structure and spray ground, making it an excellent place for the entire family. Cabana rentals are popular at the facility. Visitors can rent a luxury cabana with couches, a TV and a fridge for $30 for a threehour time block Monday through Friday and $90 on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Members of The Cove® get $5 off weekday and $15 off weekend cabana rentals. “We pride ourselves on featuring something for everyone and have seen families visit the park and enjoy it all day,” Peebles said.

WORLD WATERPARK MAGAZINE APRIL 2022

The facility also has a concession stand and full bar operated by a local restaurant. Guests can enjoy traditional concession food, including French fries and chicken fingers, burgers and candy. Other favorites include brisket nachos and brisket fries. Offerings are also themed around seasonal events.

The Cove operates year-round thanks to its retractable roof.

FACILITY RENTALS The Cove® is a popular spot for entertaining with three party/ meeting rooms and a large mezzanine terrace. The entire facility can also be rented for after-hours buyouts. In its first year, group sales and private buyouts totaled $212,000. “We can host everything from birthday and team parties to corporate events, and we’ve even been asked about weddings,” Malone said. Birthday party packages range from $350 (The Little Wave) to $950 (Surf ’s Up) and include a two-hour party room reservation, a dedicated party host, pizzas, beverages and Cove®-themed swag. The birthday child also gets a free Cove® t-shirt. The facility also offers sports team packages geared to bring in groups during slower weekday evenings. “The packages are designed to be end-of-season celebrations and include up to 30 admissions, pizzas and beverages for $300,” Malone said. The waterpark is popular for summer camps and field trips for schools and area daycares. PROGRAMMING & EVENTS ALL YEAR In addition to being packed full of fun, The Cove® also has programming year-round. “We have both group and private swimming lessons for adults and children throughout the year, water aerobics classes for adults, wake-surfing classes on our FlowRider and special events and programming,” Malone said. Additional regular programming includes preschool swim twice CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

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WORLD WATERPARK MAGAZINE APRIL 2022

DETAILS

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417 LAKEFRONT DR., LITTLE ELM, TX 75068 HTTPS://WWW.THECOVEATTHELAKEFRONT.COM/ 214-618-2047 OWNERS: TOWN OF LITTLE ELM ADMISSION PRICES: SEE WEBSITE FOR DAILY PRICING AND MEMBERSHIP PRICING. DATES OPEN: YEAR-ROUND SIZE/ACRES: 42,000 SQUARE FEET CAPACITY: 2,412 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: YEAR-ROUND: 105; SEASONAL: 30 CLIENTELE (PERCENT LOCAL VS. TOURIST): 70 PERCENT LOCAL VS. 30 PERCENT TOURIST STAFF RETENTION PROGRAMS OR IN-SERVICE PROGRAMS: PAID CERTIFICATIONS, $100 SIGN-ON, $100 REFERRALS, $1.00 RAISE AFTER 6 MONTH PROBATION PERIOD.

DEVELOPMENT/DESIGN: BRANNON CORP; VLK ARCHITECTS CONSULTANTS: PROS CONSULTING CONSTRUCTION: BYNRE CONSTRUCTION WATERSLIDES: KNA; SPLASHTACULAR SURF SIMULATOR: FLOWRIDER BY AQUATIC DEVELOPMENT GROUP CHILDREN’S INTERACTIVE PLAY STRUCTURE: SPLASHTACULAR FURNITURE: SUNNYLAND OUTDOOR LIVING LOCKERS: BEST LOCKERS FILTRATION EQUIPMENT: NEPTUNE BENSON DEFENDERS CHEMICAL: DPC INDUSTRIES CHEMICAL CONTROLLERS: BECYS ADMISSION SYSTEM: ACTIVENET

THE COVE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38

Popular with guests are the park’s birthday party packages, which are available at 3 levels and include a variety of amenities.

a week, in which younger visitors can enjoy limited features of the park before crowds arrive. Lap swim is also scheduled Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4-5 p.m. While many events are geared to younger members, adults can also find programming geared to them. For example, The Cove® hosts Adult Nights for those 21 and up, with a DJ, games and giveaways. At Christmastime, The Cove® hosted Surf with Santa featuring a holiday store event where kids could shop for gifts for their parents. Christmas at The Cove® was also complete with a mermaid, Santa and his reindeer. The facility recently celebrated its first birthday with a luauthemed party, complete with fire dancers, steel drum music, Hawaiian-themed food specials and an appearance by Moana. The Cove® also gives back to the community, partnering with local charities and PTAs to share a portion of profits for spirit nights. Additionally, the facility hosts supply drives for food banks and Christmas gift collection. During these events, non-member guests can bring in requested items in exchange for reduced admission. Members receive a day pass in return for their donation. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO The Cove® offers daily admission rates of $14 for adults and $11 for children during the week and $18 for adults and $14 for children on weekends, as well as memberships for individuals and families. As an added benefit, individuals purchasing memberships to the facility can also combine their memberships with The Rec at The Lakefront™, Little Elm’s fitness facility located next door. The Cove® has proved to be a popular attraction for Little Elm, bringing people in from all over the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The staff structure of the facility includes an Aquatics Manager, an Assistant Aquatics Manager, a Supervisor over Programs & Services, a Supervisor over Guest Services, an Aquatic Coordinator over Programs and an Aquatics Coordinator over Operations. The facility staffs 45 year-round part-time lifeguards and an additional 25 part-time staff who serve as party attendants or front desk/guest services team members. • ERIN MUDIE IS THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION FOR THE TOWN OF LITTLE ELM, TEXAS.

WORLD WATERPARK MAGAZINE APRIL 2022

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BY DAVID J. SANGREE, MAI, CPA, ISHC

AFTER TWO YEARS OF UNCERTAINTY, THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY IS POISED TO SEE GROWTH IN REVENUE AND ATTENDANCE AS DEMAND FOR FAMILY LEISURE ENTERTAINMENT REMAINS STRONG.

fter two years of pandemic concerns that saw many waterparks remain closed throughout 2020 and suffer continued disruption in 2021, 2022 is anticipated to be a pivot back to normal for the industry. As vaccines are now widely available and COVID becomes endemic, waterparks are poised to capitalize on pent-up demand and return to pre-COVID performance levels. While 2021 saw robust growth in pricing at many properties, 2022 will see the industry open a number of expansions and new developments. Several large-scale projects will alter the waterpark landscape at both indoor and outdoor waterparks and continue to encourage properties to innovate and update to keep market share. A number of larger developments are planned for 2023 and beyond at waterparks and surf parks throughout North America. Attendance at waterparks in 2021 was down overall due to COVID-19 concerns that imposed capacity constraints at many waterparks. However, most waterparks were able to increase their prices, and they expect to maintain these higher prices in 2022. Consequently, as attendance returns to pre-pandemic levels, we expect increases in total revenues at many properties. While 2022 looks as though it will be the first “normal” year for waterparks since 2019, the industry will still face challenges. Factors such as higher wages and prices, inflation and lingering pandemic effects will impact the industry in 2022.

WORLD WATERPARK MAGAZINE APRIL 2022

CURRENT WATERPARK STANDINGS U.S. AND CANADA INDOOR WATERPARKS AND RESORTS OPENED OR EXPANDED IN 2021 FOR THE U.S. AND CANADA As of March 2022, the United States and Canada had a total of 1,179 waterparks. Thirty of those properties opened in 2021, while four properties closed. More than half of these openings were in the outdoor standalone segment, with one new private facility and seventeen new municipal/non-profit facilities. Ten indoor waterparks and resorts opened in 2021, including seven indoor standalone waterparks, one private and two municipal. The following bullets break down the numbers regionREVIEW OF 2021 NEW OPENINGS AND EXPANSIONS ally for all waterparks in the U.S. and Canada: INDOOR WATERPARK OPENINGS: In 2021, ten indoor waterpark addi• The Midwest and South are home to the most water- tions or expansions added 343,710 square feet of indoor waterpark space parks, with 419 and 388, respectively. compared to 625,200 square feet in 2020. 2020 benefited from two large • The Midwest has pulled even with the South in total additions: the 225,000-square-foot DreamWorks Waterpark at American number of outdoor waterparks with 298 each, while Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and the 223,000-square-foot Canada has the fewest at 33. Outdoor waterparks in Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, Texas. No properties of this size opened the South typically have slightly longer operating sea- in 2021. The number of new resort rooms in 2021 was down from 2020, sons than those in the Northeast and Midwest due to which gained 975 rooms due to the opening of the Kalahari Resort in more favorable weather conditions. Round Rock. The most significant project opening in 2021 was the Great • The Midwest leads the U.S. and Canada in indoor wa- Wolf Lodge in Manteca, California. The 500-room resort features a terpark resorts by a large margin with 82. 95,000-square-foot indoor waterpark and a 45,000-square-foot adventure • The West leads in standalone indoor waterparks with park, which includes a ropes course, miniature golf, arcade and a high47, primarily due to the large number of municipal/ tech, newly imagined version of the brand’s exclusive MagiQuest interacnon-profit indoor aquatic facilities with waterparks in tive adventure game. Colorado and Utah.

• The South leads in resorts with outdoor waterparks with 49. • Indoor waterparks account for a greater proportion of the Canadian market with 39 indoor resort and standalone facilities. Outdoor waterparks have held steady at 33. • Of all hotels with indoor and outdoor waterparks, 44 percent are affiliated with national hotel franchises while 56 percent are independent.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many municipal waterparks that were scheduled to open in 2020 were postponed until 2021. Consequently, 18 standalone outdoor waterparks opened in 2021. The city of El Paso, Texas led the way in waterpark openings in 2021 with four new outdoor waterparks at various sites throughout the city with amenities ranging from leisure pools and “lazy” rivers to a surf machine, slides and water playgrounds. OUTDOOR WATERPARK OPENINGS:

• Of all standalone indoor and outdoor waterparks, 69 percent are municipal/non-profit while 32 percent are private/for-profit. The following chart shows the breakdown of waterpark properties by type out of the 1,179 waterparks in existence: 2022 U.S. AND CANADA OPEN WATERPARK SUPPLY

WORLD WATERPARK MAGAZINE APRIL 2022

2021 U.S. AND CANADA OUTDOOR WATERPARK OPENINGS

U.S. AND CANADA RESORTS WITH OUTDOOR WATERPARK OPENINGS OR EXPANSIONS IN 2021

With only five openings or expansions, resorts with outdoor waterparks had the smallest number of additions in 2021, but still outpaced results from 2020. In addition to the U.S. properties shown above, in the Bahamas, Baha Mar Resort in Nassau added the $200 million Baha Bay outdoor waterpark adjacent to the SLS and Melia Hotels. The wellthemed waterpark opened in July 2021 and includes a wide range of rides and attractions. It is one of the most expensive waterparks to open in North America. RESORTS WITH OUTDOOR WATERPARKS OPENINGS:

ALL U.S. OPENINGS: The map on page 45 highlights the locations

of the 2021 indoor and outdoor waterpark openings in the U.S. inclusive of resorts and standalone properties. 2021 saw four waterpark closures, including Splashtown San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas, and the CoCo Key Water Resort in Omaha, Nebraska. COVID-19 IMPACT AND OTHER ECONOMIC REALITIES While 2022 started off rocky with COVID-19 infection rates soaring in many parts of the country, recent data indicates that the pandemic will quickly transition to endemic, with restrictions in most states being lifted as we return to normalcy. This transition is expected to have a positive effect on all industries, with waterparks poised to gain back demand lost in 2020 and 2021. However, though pandemic concerns will likely ease, there are lingering economic and operational effects that will continue to impact the industry as it moves to a full recovery. Inflation, increases in wages and the labor shortage will all impact operations in 2022. As seen across many industries throughout 2021, the national labor shortage affected and will continue

• LABOR SHORTAGE:

WORLD WATERPARK MAGAZINE APRIL 2022

2021 U.S. WATERPARK OPENINGS

advertising positions starting as high as $17 per hour, a substantial increase from pre-COVID-19 levels. The cost of nearly everything went up in 2021, which poses concerns for waterpark operators. As of January 2022, the U.S. inflation rate clocked in at 7.5 percent, a substantial increase from previous years. As the costs of food and beverage, labor, energy and materials continues to increase, waterparks have to either absorb those costs and risk profits or pass those costs on to consumers in the form of higher admission rates.

• INFLATION CONCERNS:

• ADDED BENEFITS: With labor tight, operators are looking for

to affect the waterpark industry throughout the country in 2022. As industries reopened, waterparks and leisure properties were forced to staff quickly. This, combined with the many former workers still reluctant to get back into the roles they once had, caused shortages across all segments. In part due to the labor shortage, wages and salaries grew by 4.7 percent in 2021. However, hospitality and leisure industry wages and salaries grew by 6.8 percent, an increase from 4.1 percent in 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Labor shortages have forced many waterpark and leisure properties to increase wages as they compete for workers. As an example, Schlitterbahn waterparks in Texas are

• WAGE INCREASES:

new ways to retain employees by adding benefits. Herschend Family Entertainment, the nation’s largest privately-owned themed attraction corporation, is offering to cover the cost of tuition, fees and books for employees who wish to further their education. These types of benefits could help properties by encouraging employees to remain on the job longer term as they work through their classes. SeaWorld recently made a bid to acquire Cedar Fair, which would have created the largest operators of waterparks and related attractions in the United States. However, it was rejected as of the date of our research for this article.

• CONSOLIDATION:

Most waterparks increased their prices in 2021 due to inflationary pressures, higher wage rates and reduced capacity due to COVID-related concerns. Managers we have interviewed indicated that they expect higher prices to continue into 2022, which should allow for higher per capita spending and total revenue at most waterparks.

• HIGHER PRICING:

WORLD WATERPARK MAGAZINE APRIL 2022

PROJECTIONS FOR 2022 For 2022, we will see growth across all segments of the waterpark industry with projected openings of 20 facilities. We also anticipate expansions of more than 31 existing facilities. Regionally, the South leads the U.S. with 13 projected openings. The Midwest will see six openings, and the West one. As of this writing, no major openings or expansions are anticipated for the Northeast. Overall, the number of projected openings is down from 2021. The map at right highlights the locations of the properties.

2022 WATERPARK OPENINGS BY REGION

With projections of 232,500 square feet of new indoor waterpark space and over 330 new rooms, 2022 will be a year of continued growth in this market segment. INDOOR WATERPARKS:

• OWA’s amusement park, The Park at OWA, in Foley, Alabama, will open a 100,000-square-foot indoor waterpark and a familyfriendly RV park as part of its $100 million Phase II expansion project. An accompanying 200-room resort hotel with conference space will open in 2023. • As part of a multi-sports complex in Goddard, Kansas, the Goddard Aquatic Center and Genesis Health Club is adding the 60,000-square-foot Blast Off Bay indoor waterpark and natatorium and a connected 133-room, four-story Hampton Inn hotel. Beyond 2022, Great Wolf Lodge is constructing a 700-room property in Perrysville, Maryland, which will open in 2023, and has announced plans for new resorts in Texas, Tennessee, California and Connecticut, making it one of the most growth-oriented companies in the indoor waterpark resort space. OUTDOOR WATERPARKS: Growth in the outdoor segment will con-

tinue with 19 new standalone waterparks anticipated. Many existing

waterparks are investing in modest to large expansions in 2022. Highlights include the following: • The largest of these outdoor waterpark developments is Wild Rivers Waterpark, which will return to the city of Irvine, California after more than a decade. The original park operated from 1986 until its closure in 2011. The new, 26-acre, $60 million park is located in Irvine’s Great Park and will be leased to operator Mike Riedel. • Tampa’s Adventure Island will debut the “Wahoo Remix,” a family raft ride featuring synchronized light and sound elements, and “Rapids Racer,” the world’s first dueling saucer through tunnels and high-speed turns. There are four planned expansions or new developments of resorts with outdoor waterparks in the United States in 2022. Highlights include the following: RESORTS WITH OUTDOOR WATERPARKS:

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• The 550-unit Landmark Resort is developing a $3 million outdoor waterpark set to open in the summer of 2022. The 9,800-square-foot outdoor facility will feature slides and water play features. • A $175 million renovation is under way at The Boca Raton resort in Boca Raton, Florida. The updates include the Harborside Pool Club, which will feature cabanas, pools, a leisure river, five-story waterslides and a kids’ splash zone. SURF INNOVATIONS: New innovations continue to be developed

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WORLD WATERPARK MAGAZINE APRIL 2022

for the waterpark industry including multiple new man-made surfing facilities. The leading companies in this space include Wavegarden, Citywave, American Wave Machines, Surf Lakes and SurfLoch/WaveLoch. We expect to see additional opportunities for consumers to enjoy surfing on artificial waves in the coming years as developers work to construct multiple projects. Surf parks appeal to a wide range of customers in various life stages, including families with children. Surf parks can capitalize on that in much the same way waterparks have by creating family-friendly environments coupled with memorable experiences. This will increase the reach and scope of the sport in a way that may lead to dramatic growth in coming years. Surf parks have strong developer interest in North America and throughout the world. The table on page 47 shows the number of surf parks proposed or under construction. These do not include projects in very preliminary stages. The United States could see five new surf parks open in 2022.

• The Palm Springs Surf Club is performing a $50 million redevelopment of the former Wet ‘n’ Wild waterpark in Palm Springs, California. The project will feature a three-milliongallon, state-of-the-art Surf Loch technology wave pool. The developers have transformed an existing pool with large-wavemaking technology which will be open to the public. Other planned amenities include a leisure river and restaurant.

PLANNED SURF PARKS BY WORLD REGION

CONCLUSION After two years of uncertainty, the waterpark industry is poised to splash into 2022 operating from a place of strength. Many indoor waterpark resorts outperformed traditional hotels during the past 12 months due to their strong demand from leisure families. Leisure demand actually grew during the pandemic in contrast to the group and corporate segments, providing a boon to properties with lodging components. There are new waterpark resorts proposed and under construction throughout the United States with Great Wolf Lodge leading the way with multiple new projects. New standalone waterpark projects are also projected to open both indoor and outdoor by municipal and private developers. As the market remains strong for development, financing challenges, inflation and labor costs will remain a concern and may dampen some opportunities. However, as much as the pandemic forced the industry to adapt,

fundamentals of waterparks remain strong, and we expect to see continued growth. With a couple of tough years seemingly behind us, owners, operators and developers can take the lessons learned and challenges faced into the recovery with renewed hope and perspective. While the waterpark industry has not changed in essentials, we are excited to see further innovation and adaptation as the industry gets back to the basics of entertainment and immersive fun on the road to a robust recovery. • DAVID J. SANGREE, MAI, CPA, ISHC, IS PRESIDENT OF HOTEL & LEISURE ADVISORS (H&LA), AN INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY CONSULTING FIRM SPECIALIZING IN APPRAISALS, FEASIBILITY STUDIES, IMPACT ANALYSES, ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDIES AND LITIGATION SUPPORT FOR THE LODGING, WATERPARK AND LEISURE INDUSTRIES. SANGREE IS AN INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED EXPERT ON WATERPARK RESORTS AND HAS COMPLETED MORE THAN 700 STUDIES OF INDOOR AND OUTDOOR WATERPARKS. HE WAS NAMED ONE OF AQUATICS INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE’S “2019 POWER PEOPLE” AND RECEIVED THE EXECUTIVE BOARD AWARD FROM THE WORLD WATERPARK ASSOCIATION IN 2016. HE HAS APPEARED ON GOOD MORNING AMERICA AND CNBC AND HAS WRITTEN ARTICLES FOR NUMEROUS PUBLICATIONS. HE CAN BE REACHED AT 216-810-5800 OR DSANGREE@HLADVISORS.COM. THE AUTHOR WISHES TO ACKNOWLEDGE MICHAEL WEBER AND HEIDI BANAK FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE WITH THE ARTICLE. FOR A LIST OF 2022 OPENINGS AND EXPANSIONS, PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE TO PURCHASE.

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HOW-TO: MAINTENANCE PERFORMING A SEASONAL OPENING INSPECTION FOR AQUATIC PLAY STRUCTURES BY CODY BUTCHER

All Aquatic Play Structure equipment needs to be thoroughly inspected and tested after being closed for an extended period before reopening to the public.

SPRING is around the corner, and it’s time to get your Aquatic Play Structure ready for opening day. Even though the gates may be closed and the pools are drained, preseason and routine park maintenance are critical to a successful operating season. One of the most unique and complex structures in some waterparks can be the Aquatic Play Structure. These features go by many different names like interactive play systems, forts, treehouses, splash pads and spray parks. These iconic elements can range from mild in some children’s pool areas to very wild as the focal point of many waterparks. The structures combine playground-like features, waterslides, climbing walls, cargo netting, spinning and tipping features and elaborate theming. Generally, these play structures have large surface areas which encourage the guests to touch, climb, play and crawl all over them. All Aquatic Play Structure equipment needs to be thoroughly inspected and tested after being closed for an extended period before reopening to the public. The process is more than turning on the pumps. The seasonal opening inspection process will need to be customized based upon many factors like the age of the attraction, type of attraction, type of facility and the skill level of the person performing the inspection. Operators of the Aquatic Play Structures face the myriad of tasks typically associated with pool care, playground inspections and waterslide maintenance. While Aquatic Play Structures range in shape and size, all have exposure to chlorinated water, and therein lies the challenge. Chlorine and other saltbased swimming pool chemicals can do a number on the metal components of these features. Anyone who has lived in areas where salt is used to treat the roads knows how tough it can be on the metal on vehicles. The same holds true for play structures. Indoor waterparks might face higher maintenance requirements because these units are enclosed and are exposed to year-round operations. Before restarting your Aquatic Play Structure for the season, consider the necessary training, supplies and tools to perform the task safely. You may

WORLD WATERPARK MAGAZINE APRIL 2022

need personnel lifts, ladders, specialized tools and safety equipment. A good pressure washer is critical. If you have access to hot water or a hot water pressure washer, it might reduce your cleaning time as hot water can help remove calcium build up. IMPLEMENTING YOUR SEASONAL OPENING INSPECTION PROCESS

Here are a few tips to consider when building your Spring inspection process: 1. EDUCATE YOUR TEAM AND HAVE A PLAN. A good plan will have a well-defined list of goals and objectives and a reasonable schedule to complete these tasks. Include lists of parts and materials, a plan for lead time to get these supplies and the labor needed to accomplish the goals. • Ensure that the personnel who are about to perform the inspections and repairs are aware of the expectations and knowledge of the tasks. • Consider site-specific in-service training or in-depth advanced training for critical maintenance and operations staff. 2. ESTABLISH A BUDGET. Every maintenance task requires two things to be successful—time and money. We never have enough of one and even less of the other. This step is particularly troublesome for operations, but budgeting for major and minor repairs is integral to the success of a preventive maintenance plan. Deferring maintenance tasks may wind up costing more in the long run. 3. BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR ANY CHANGES TO THE EQUIPMENT OVER WINTER THAT COULD AFFECT THE INTEGRITY OF THE STRUCTURES AND BE PROACTIVE. Repairing

minor issues before they become significant problems may reduce the likelihood of hefty repair costs. • Look for any freeze or thaw damage that could have occurred from leftover water. • Pay close attention to all crush, shear and sharp edges hazards. Consider the likelihood that a guest could get a finger or toe inside any area point and remember many of the guests will be barefoot, wet and in bathing suits. • All components on the play structure should be kept free of sharp edges. • All moving components should be checked for the potential of crush and shear injuries. • Inspecting and maintaining climbing nets is essential for the safe operation of the play structure.

• Inspect netting and lashings to ensure securely tied and in good condition. • Check for excessive sagging. The nets will stretch over time and will require periodic adjustment. • Replace any damaged equipment per the manufacturer’s directions in your operations and maintenance manuals. 4. PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO ANY FEATURES THAT TIP, SWAY OR ROTATE.

• Tipping buckets, rotating wheels and other toys are common elements with wear parts like bearings, pins and hardware. The reopening inspection should focus on all these elements. • Inspect all hoses, valves and pull levers and replace or repair as needed. • Check all theming elements. Check attachment points and secondary restraint devices. 5. CHECK TO ENSURE THAT ALL BARRIERS, DECKS, STAIRS AND TOWERS ARE IN PLACE AND IN GOOD REPAIR.

• Closely inspect all walking surfaces and decks. • All surfaces should also be cleaned and repaired to maintain the proper coefficient of friction to help prevent slip and fall injuries. • Inspect any suspension bridges and associated hardware, attachment points and supports.

6. REVIEW SIGNAGE TO ENSURE IT’S APPROPRIATE AND VISIBLE ALERTING PATRONS TO CURRENT CONDITIONS.

• Make sure your signage is currently in good repair and is accurate.

7. CHECK TO SEE HOW THE PAINT LOOKS.

• If the paint has been chipped or removed, these be areas should be inspected further for corrosion.

• If the galvanizing has been damaged, remove the paint then prime and repaint. • Determine what will be required to clean, wax and paint the play structure. 8. FOCUS ON ALL ATTACHED WATERSIDES.

• Closely inspect the riding surfaces. • Inspect the exterior of slides. • Focus on flanges, bolts, connectors and ground wires.

9. CONSULT YOUR OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE MANUALS, ARRANGE FOR THIRD-PARTY INSPECTIONS AND GET GOING EARLY. Play structures might have components that require

a significant lead time to arrive once ordered. Additionally, specialized companies generally are booked up months in advance. • Before operating your equipment, read the Operating and Maintenance manual for instructions. Operating and maintenance manuals give details on maintaining equipment properly. • Perform ride commissioning. Test and document flow rates. • Schedule non-destructive testing. • Schedule your applicable AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) inspections. • Pose any questions to consultants, manufacturers and suppliers.

10. DOCUMENT AND REVIEW.

• Preseason inspections might alert the maintenance or operations staff to changing conditions before they become a bigger problem. • Documentation allows operators to spot potential problems early and act accordingly. • As many of us in the operations world know all too well: “if it didn’t happen on paper – it didn’t happen.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 60

R BE EM M

A EFIT WBEN

j o s e p h

LEUTE P H O T O G R A P H Y

ENGAGE YOUR GUESTS’ IMAGINATION WITH BETTER WATERPARK IMAGERY

The World Waterpark Association is partnering with Joseph Leute Photography to offer you a new Member Benefit program. Visit http://waterparks. org/web/Photography.aspx to find out how you can get a portfolio of high-quality, beautifully shot, professional photographs of your facility at speciallynegotiated pricing.

WORLD WATERPARK MAGAZINE APRIL 2022

2022 PROFILE: FILTRATION For Complete Mailing Addresses, Consult the WWA Buyers Guide | See waterparks.org for WWA’s online Buyers Guide | WWA Supplier Members Appreciate Your Support

WWA

COMPANY INFORMATION AMUSEMENT LOGIC S.L. SPAIN

+34-961-581-614 info@amusementlogic.es amusementlogic.es AQUA REVIVAL LLC

262-725-6081 sales@aqua-revival.com aqua-revival.com

AQUIFY SYSTEMS

833-386-2782 info@aquifysystems.com aquifysystems.com

BECS TECHNOLOGY INC.

314-567-0088 becsysinfo@becs.com becs.com

CHEMTROL, DIV. OF SANTA BARBARA CONTROL SYSTEMS

805-683-8833 800-621-2279 chemtrol@sbcontrol.com sbcontrol.com COM-PAC FILTRATION INC.

WWA

904-356-4003 mail@com-pac.net com-pac.net

TYPE

DIMENSIONS

FILTRATION RATE

High-rate sand filters; vertical and horizontal; automatic and manual; bobbin wound fiberglass filters

Diameter up to 3,000 mm; custommade to any dimension according to specification

Designed to specifications

Patented regenerative media filters; most advanced automation; longest warranty in the industry: 15 years

Highest filtration area in smallest volumetric footprint; fit through doorway standing up

Unlimited

Regenerative media and high-rate sand filters with advanced control systems. ASME and NSF 50 listed. Available in stainless steel and fiberglass

30” to 60” diameter, 72” to 103” tall

50 gpm - 2,400 gpm per filter

Automatic water chemistry and filtration controllers

Various

Automatic chemistry & filtration controllers

Various

Complete packaged pump & filtration systems: DE, cartridge, sand, vacuum and pressure

Various sizes per project requirements

As required by project

Regenerative pressure media filters

16” to 60” diameter, 84” to 92” high

75 to 5,000 gpm

Manufacturer of basket strainers, modulating float valves and flanged reducers

3” to 24” pipe

500 to 6,000 gpm

PVC, CPVC and GFPP bag or cartridge filters - simplex, duplex or triplex; Media filter - simplex or duplex

15” OD up to 42” tall; vertical 36” diameter

Up to 150 gpm/unit; Up to 135 gpm/unit

FILTREX INC.

973-595-0400 filtrex1@aol.com filtrexnj.com FLUIDTROL PROCESS TECHNOLOGIES

205-444-9355 888-551-0511 fpt@fluidtrol.com fluidtrol.com

HAYWARD COMMERCIAL AQUATICS

908-351-5400 800-657-2287 psweeney@haywardnet.com haywardcommercialpool.com

WORLD WATERPARK MAGAZINE APRIL 2022

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WWA Denotes WWA Supplier Member

2022 PROFILE: FILTRATION For Complete Mailing Addresses, Consult the WWA Buyers Guide | See waterparks.org for WWA’s online Buyers Guide | WWA Supplier Members Appreciate Your Support

WWA

The Cove® in World Waterpark Magazine

Articles inside

Advertising Index

HOW-TO: MAINTENANCE

THE WWA SHOW BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER

HOW-TO: HUMAN RESOURCES

Committee Voices

RIDING A RECOVERY WAVE IN 2022

INSIDE THE COOLEST PLACE TO BE

Rave Reviews

Business Progress