Water Park - Evolution of Water Parks

Evolution of Water Parks

Waterparks have grown in popularity since their introduction in the late 1940s and early 1950s. The United States has the largest and most concentrated waterpark market, with over a thousand waterparks and dozens of new parks opening each year. Major organizations are (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) and WWA (World Waterpark Association)which is the industry trade association.

Waterparks emerging from spas continue to more closely resemble mountain resorts as they become four-season destinations-for example, Universe Water Park Resort, a member of the World Water Park Association, is themed to match the community in which it is located. The theme is intended to enhance the communities' destination appeal. Therefore, the amusement and leisure time industry is becoming more concentrated as winter sports are becoming commonplace themes in summertime water rides. A process of concentration can be observed in the hybrid segments of theme-, amusement-, and waterparks. Some waterparks are more spa-oriented; e.g. Schwaben Quellen, a member of European Waterparks Association (EWA) has no water slides, but instead has many saunas, steam rooms, "adventure showers", and relaxation-oriented water play areas.

In the 2000s, an effort to reduce long lines by introducing conveyor belts to lift passengers or use water jets.

A unique feature at a waterpark is ice skating. Deep River Waterpark in northwestern Indiana features ice skating thanks to cooling pipes that were added under their massive plaza during a recent expansion.