H&LA is proud to announce that we received two Leading Edge Awards from the World Waterpark Association for our work on the newly minted OKANA Resort in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and the Bavarian Blast Waterpark in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Being part of these remarkable projects—especially alongside so many exceptional partners whose creativity and expertise brought these destinations to life—has been truly special. We extend our congratulations to all of the award-winning teams, including Aquatic Development Group, Architectural Design Consultants, Inc., ProSlide, Pyramid Global Hospitality, VanStone Conveyor, Inc., Water Odyssey, and Wibit for Okana Resort, and Aquatic Development Group, Architectural Design Consultants, Inc., Life Floor, OpenAire, Hendrick, and WhiteWater for Bavarian Blast. We’re especially proud of the feasibility work we completed for both projects and gratified to know our insights played a meaningful role in bringing them to fruition. Both properties are already establishing themselves as standout destinations in the waterpark space, and we’re excited to watch them continue to succeed and delight guests for years to come!
OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark
The OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark, is a $400 million destination resort developed by the Chickasaw Nation and adjacent to the First Americans Museum. The property features a 404-room hotel and a 100,000-square-foot indoor waterpark—one of the largest in the region—along with a 4.5-acre outdoor adventure lagoon offering a sandy beach, slides, and swim-up bars. Additional amenities include a full-service spa, a family entertainment center with arcade and laser tag, and more than a dozen restaurants and bars.
Our market feasibility and financial analysis study helped shape the project’s development program and sizing parameters, providing data-driven insights that informed design, financial performance, investment, and operational planning.
Bavarian Blast Waterpark
Located in Frankenmuth, Michigan, the Bavarian Blast Waterpark represents the largest expansion of the Bavarian Lodge in its history. The property added the new $90 million waterpark attraction, which opened in the spring of 2025. The indoor waterpark spans 125,000 square feet, making it Michigan’s largest, and features 16 waterslides, a wave pool, lazy river, private cabanas, and Michigan’s first indoor swim-up adult bar. Key amenities also include an expanded Family Fun Center, Bavarian-style architecture, and retail/dining options.
Our market feasibility and financial analysis study supported this redevelopment by analyzing market demand, optimizing space and attraction sizing, and providing operationala and financial projections that shaped the repositioning of Bavarian Inn Lodge.
