Waterpark News
Earning AZA accreditation
ALEATHA EZRA E
ach year, the World Waterpark Association
hears from its mem- bers that a particular issue has started to become of greater concern to them, and to the future success of their business. For the past few seasons, many of these hot topics have centered around the econ- omy. However, in recent months, a new ‘hot’ topic has come under discussion, which involves global warming and cli- mate change and the eff ect it might have on the water leisure industry. Seasonal, outdoor waterpark opera-
tors have long been aware that shifting weather patterns aff ect their businesses on a daily basis. How could they not be
“To aid members with water consumption,
WWA has worked with industry consultants”
when extended rainy periods can wipe out a large percentage of their 100-day operat- ing season? What is new to this discussion is how guest perception of waterparks may be changing in areas where climate change has led to severe drought conditions and water conservation eff orts. Throughout the US and Europe, city
administrators and community members are starting to ask waterpark operators to explain and justify their water consump- tion. T is has become especially apparent when new projects are proposed in areas where water usage is heavily regulated. To aid members in these conversations,
the WWA worked with industry consul- tant Eric B Hansen with Hotel & Leisure Advisors to publish an article, When the Waters Run Dry, in the October-November issue of World Waterpark Magazine. T e article looks at the diff erence in water use versus water consumption, water conserva- tion as a design principle, best management practices and how to develop a drought response plan, among other topics.
Aleatha Ezra, director of member development 10
Yas Waterworld launches
Yas Waterworld, marketed as Abu Dhabi’s first water- park, opened its doors on 20 January 2013, having pre- viously expected to open by the end of last year. Spread across 15 hectares
(37 acres), the waterpark fea- tures a range of 43 rides, slides and attractions. Four of the park’s rides are unique to the attraction. T ese include the Bandit Bomber – the fi rst roll- ercoaster in the world to have on-board water and laser spe- cial eff ects – and a six-person HydroMagnetic Tunnel water- slide with a 238m (780ſt )-long funnel run-in. The attraction’s theme is based on local
Emirati legends and pearl diving heritage and centres around a story called T e Lost Pearl. Despite not having opened yet, the waterpark
was the winner of last year’s World Waterpark Association’s Leading Edge Award.
Local legends and culture are the theme of Yas Waterworld Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi on Yas Island is
developed by Aldar Properties and is operated by Farah Leisure Parks Management LLC. Yas island is a US$36bn (£23bn, 27bn)
mixed-use project by Abu Dhabi-based group Aldar. (See Q4 12 for an interview with the park’s general manager Mike Oswald.)
SeaWorld to open third Aquatica park
S eaWo r ld P a r ks & Entertainment is set to launch its third Aquatica waterpark in San Diego, USA in early 2013. T e Orlando-based company has acquired Knott’s Soak City in San Diego, a stand- alone Southern California waterpark, from Cedar Fair Entertainment Company. Located in Chula Vista,
the park is set to undergo extensive renovations to transform it into an Aquatica featuring a variety of water slides and rides, themed entertainment and exotic animals. Jim Atchison, president of SeaWorld Parks
& Entertainment, said: “T ese parks refl ect the highest standard of quality in attractions, entertainment and theming, but the presence of animals makes the experience special.
T e inclusion of animals adds an educational element to the waterparks “Aquatica San Diego will feature guest expe-
riences with a variety of exotic animals. Having animals in our Aquatica parks adds an educa- tional component to a waterpark.” SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment owns
11 waterparks and aquariums across the US. Details:
http://lei.sr?a=4k0W3
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island looks to expand
Waterpark operator Schlitterbahn – owner of the Galveston Island Waterpark in Texas, USA – is in talks with a fi tness club adjacent to the park with the view to buying the site to extend the park with new rides, additional parking and offi ce and storage space.
Read Attractions Management online
attractionsmanagement.com/digital T e owner of the 38-year-old Galveston
Health and Racquet Club, Tom Cook, says that he has been looking for an exit strat- egy since Hurricane Ike, which drove many of his locals away from Galveston island. Details:
http://lei.sr?a=F1R1E
AM 1 2013 ©cybertrek 2013
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