Over the past few decades, there has been a growing trend globally of hotels and resorts adding waterpark attractions and features. Some properties have added one or two slides, and some have built a substantial waterpark attached to the resort. H&LA conducted a study for WhiteWater, the leading global manufacturer and designer of waterpark equipment,

After securing $60 million in financing, Wild Rivers waterpark in Irvine, California is set to make its comeback some time in 2022. Congrats to our client, Mike Riedel of Wild Rivers on this exciting development! H&LA was pleased to work with Mike and his team and complete the feasibility study for the waterpark. We wish

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,

H&LA conducted an interview series in the spring of 2021 in anticipation of the upcoming start of the waterpark season. Through interviews with owners and operators of several U.S. outdoor waterparks, we learned how individual parks geared up for the 2021 season amid the fallout from the pandemic and what challenges were expected. In our

H&LA conducted an interview series in the spring of 2021 in anticipation of the upcoming start of the waterpark season. Through interviews with owners and operators of several U.S. outdoor waterparks, we learned how individual parks geared up for the 2021 season amid the fallout from the pandemic and what challenges were expected. In our

Congratulations to our client, Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company, on securing financing for Phase II of development at the Hall of Fame Village powered by Johnson Controls, which will include an indoor waterpark, hotel, retail, sports, and amusements. H&LA has completed multiple feasibility studies for the proposed development and we wish our client

Congratulations to Kalahari Resorts and to the city of Round Rock on the opening of Kalahari’s newest waterpark resort in Round Rock, Texas! The 1.5 million square foot property includes the largest indoor waterpark in the United States, an indoor amusement space, 20 dining options, a spa, hotel, and convention space. Published by: Chaz Miller/abc13

David J. Sangree, MAI, CPA, ISHC presented at the 2020 World Waterpark Association Annual Show. David’s presentations highlighted the necessary elements of a waterpark feasibility study and discussed why a well-researched study is essential for all waterpark developments. Check out David’s presentation on YouTube. You can follow along with the presentation via the PowerPoint presentation.

At the virtual World Waterpark Association Annual Symposium and Tradeshow, David J. Sangree, MAI, CPA, ISHC spoke about the waterpark industry in 2020 in a presentation titled, U.S. Waterpark and Waterpark Resort Trends. This presentation addressed the challenges facing the industry in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as projections for 2021. Click

As the World Waterpark Association’s (WWA) annual symposium goes virtual this year, H&LA’s David Sangree will be participating an a webinar panel, State of the Industry & Trends for 2021. David and the other panel members will discuss insights on how 2020 has impacted the water leisure industry in myriad ways and how 2021 might

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

Imagine Hotels and Resorts has just announced development of their first resort in Hollister, Missouri! The 575,000-square-foot indoor waterpark resort will be situated on 68 acres within the Hollister city limits, and will feature a wide-array of amenities to attract and entertain multiple generations of families. Congratulations to Imagine Hotels and Resorts on this exciting

Despite COVID-19 concerns, the waterpark industry is still dynamic and poised for growth. The latest article from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), which cites H&LA research, discusses total investment, design trends, new and emerging markets for waterparks, the diversity in development, and the optimism for the future of the industry. Published

This article explains the major components of a waterpark feasibility study that should be analyzed as part of determining the potential success of a waterpark project.

As many waterparks and aquatic facilities begin to reopen in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Waterpark Association has offered some helpful considerations for operators that will help ensure safety among guests. The information provided in these considerations is designed to help operators develop reopening action plans that meet the needs of their