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

Waterpark Appraisal Methodology A waterpark resort appraisal is similar to other appraisals in that it is a professional appraiser’s opinion of value. It is typically required by a lender before financing can be obtained for a new project. The scope of the project, including plans and development budgets should be well defined prior to the

As many attractions struggle amid the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, this article from Bloomberg news highlights the struggles of a prominent Poconos indoor waterpark as they grapple with closure and further mandates to designed to combat the spread of COVID-19, Published by: Oshrat Carmiel/Bloomberg Published date: May 2020 One of America’s biggest indoor water

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused most waterparks and amusement parks to close or delay their seasonal openings, many operators are offering incentive for guests. One such operator is Schlitterbahn, who is extending their 2020 season passes to cover the 2021 season. We expect many parks and operators will offer similar perks

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

2020 will be a big year for waterparks as construction is underway on a brand new, 223,000 square foot Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, Texas. The resort will come in at $550 million for construction, sit on 350 acres of land, and will be the largest indoor waterpark resort in the U.S. Check out some renderings of

Recreation Management published a great article on the waterpark industry, highlighting H&LA’s research for the 2019 waterpark season. Published by: Dave Ramont, Recreation Management Published date: October 2019 On a hot summer day, it’s pretty safe to say that most people would enjoy some refreshing ice cream. But it’s also a safe bet that many

Congratulations to our client, Wilderness Resorts and Waterparks on the announcement of their newest addition to Wilderness at the Smokies, Soaky Mountain Waterpark. H&LA completed the feasibility study for this expansion and we wish our client best of luck on this exciting expansion in 2020! Published by: Maggie Jones/Knoxville News Sentinel Published date: July 2019