Join us on 13 May at 6 pm BST for Water parks with purpose: how municipal attractions can drive local impact and meet global goals. In this greenloop session, we will be joined by Nancy Patterson, director of design and business development, OpenAire, and Rick Coleman, founder and CEO, American Resort Management.
greenloop is blooloop’s online conference focusing on sustainability in visitor attractions, and is taking place on 13 and 14 May. Now in its fifth year, the event informs and inspires with top speakers and hot topics. Sessions will be available on demand for ticket holders.
In Water parks with purpose, our guest speakers will discuss Epic Waters, a 70,000 square foot indoor/outdoor water park at the heart of the Epic Central development in Grand Prairie, Texas. This 90-acre, city-led sustainable development exemplifies how attractions can drive community impact and meet global sustainability objectives.
The development was launched with an initial $90 million investment, and also includes The Epic, a 100,000 square foot recreation centre offering inclusive fitness, arts, aquatics, and youth programming. An inclusive playground, supported by PlayGrand Adventures, was funded by donations.
As the flagship attraction, Epic Waters is the primary revenue generator and powers the development’s ongoing expansion. It now boasts hotels, restaurants, an indoor adventure park, trails, and a light show.
This session will draw on Epic Central as an example of how public/private partnerships can deliver on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and provide spaces that are financially viable, environmentally responsible, and contribute to community wellbeing.
Meet the Speakers
Rick Coleman is the founder and CEO of American Resort Management, a full-service hospitality development and management organisation. American Resort Management specialises in local government operations and destination resorts and operates throughout the US.
Over the last two decades, Coleman has spearheaded over $2bn in development, including renowned hospitality and tourism-based projects. More recently, he has focused on public/private partnerships with local governments regarding the hospitality industry.
Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark reflects Coleman’s success in working with local government partnerships, with a focus on development, branding, and visitor experience. With his support, the City Of Grand Prairie was able to create an entertainment district with Epic Waters as the anchor.
This successful, hub-and-spoke entertainment district has become the template for other local government agencies. As such, American Resort Management is now contributing to six similar entertainment district development projects across the country.
Nancy Patterson, director of design and business development at OpenAire, has been working on international projects in entertainment industry for more than 25 years. Her portfolio features brand names like Universal Studios, municipalities, YMCAs and private developers.
An architect, business development executive and creative thinker, Patterson brings a unique perspective to each new client and project. With her additional strategic and operational planning skills, she ensures that every project reaches a successful completion.
Join us at greenloop 2025
greenloop, blooloop’s annual online conference for sustainability in visitor attractions, is taking place on 13 and 14 May 2025.
Now in its fifth year, the event aims to inform and inspire with top speakers, cutting-edge science, and actionable insights.
In today’s rapidly changing environmental and political landscape, staying informed and taking action have never been more important. Join us to hear what the science tells us, what actions industry leaders are taking, and how you can make a real difference.
We believe climate action can’t wait, and so group tickets to greenloop are just £10 per person, making it affordable to bring your colleagues, clients, and friends. Your participation matters. Offer ends 9 May – don’t miss out!
