David Sangree and Kate Cheung attended the World Waterpark Association Conference in Orlando this past October. The event drew strong attendance and featured a dynamic trade show showcasing the latest innovations and products shaping the waterpark industry. As part of WWA’s Waterpark Design, Development & Expansion Workshop, David and Kate presented an educational session on

At the 2025 IAAPA Expo, H&LA had great session from David Sangree and Placer.ai’s Elizabeth Lafontaine. The presentation highlighted the important role of reliable, actionable data in operations, marketing, and strategic planning for waterparks, FECs, and attractions. Thank you to Placer.ai for partnering with H&LA on this session. Understanding the Data A Breakdown of Attractions

H&LA’s Adam Zarczynski presented at Building Epic Venues!, an economic and tourism development workshop hosted by American Resort Management in Grand Prairie, Texas. In his presentation, Adam shared H&LA’s distinctive approach to waterpark feasibility studies, offering developers key insights and practical strategies to lay the groundwork for successful waterpark projects. Click on the link below

By: David J. Sangree, MAI, ISHC In 2024, waterpark owners and operators continued to face a highly competitive market as new development continues across many regions in the U.S. and Canada. While the growth in total waterpark square footage in 2024 was less than 2023, 2024 saw more new guestrooms developed. Waterparks continue to face

In 2022, waterpark owners and operators breathed a sigh of relief as the industry shifted back to normal in the wake of two years of uncertainty. With the pandemic a rearview concern in 2022, most waterparks continued their recovery to see attendance improve. This robust performance paved the way for new growth in all segments

Despite 2020 challenges, growth within the U.S. waterpark market is projected for 2021: See the article as published by WWA. The COVID-19 crisis was the definitive event of 2020. The lodging and attractions industries were among the most negatively impacted sectors and experienced record declines in occupancy, attendance, and revenue. With mandated closures, limited capacities,

The current COVID-19 crisis continues to have a significant negative effect on the waterpark industry. Waterparks play a major role in providing entertainment, supporting job creation, fostering small business opportunities, and contributing to robust economic growth. Due to COVID-19, many outdoor waterparks delayed their season openings while others have decided, or were mandated, not to

At the beginning of 2020, the continuing trend of two decades of growth was expected in the waterpark industry. Major projects will open throughout the United States in both the indoor and outdoor waterpark categories totaling over $1 billion in investment in 2020. Fourteen new standalone waterparks and one resort with outdoor waterpark are anticipated

Introduction The waterpark industry continues to expand in North America, with more than $1 billion in new investment in indoor and outdoor waterparks and their related resorts in 2018. Nearly 60 expansions and new facilities will open in 2018. We project 14 municipal and eight private outdoor waterparks will open, outpacing 2017’s nine municipal and

The waterpark industry continues to expand in North America, with more than $500 million of new investment in indoor and outdoor waterparks and their related resorts in 2015.

The waterpark industry is poised for growth in 2014. Read about the increases in supply and how the waterpark landscape will change in 2014.