The Cornell Theme Park Entertainment Group has announced that Cryptid Creek has won the 2018 Theme Park Design Competition presented by WhiteWater West Industries Ltd.
The annual competition, now in its fourth year, is also supported by themed design firms PGAV Destinations, Raven Sun Creative, Adirondack Studios and Ripley Entertainment Inc. WhiteWater West is a leading designer and manufacturer of water park and waterslides.
Cornell Theme Park Entertainment Group is an independent student organisation based at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. The theme park design competition was launched in early March, with the judging panel revealed shortylafterwards.
An independent student-run organization, The Cornell Theme Park Entertainment Group is dedicated to the study of themed design and location-based entertainment. It also has a strong focus on the professional development of its student members.
Winning theme park designs
University of Florida students Will Meldrum-Thush, Michael Breen, Kristofer Robinson, and Christopher Berry were behind the winning project. Their “Cryptid Creek” design won the team $4,000.
Two teams also won $1,000 as runners up. The first was Pennsylvania State University students Tyler Demyan, Paul Brenckle, Ben Cerone, and Dimitri Rossi for “Eerie Adventure”. Another University of Florida team won $1,000. This was Justin Lawrence, Mark Lawrence, Su Peachey, and Randy Amil for their design, “Tales of Tiz”.
A panel of experienced industry professionals considered the submissions. These were Louis Alfieri of Raven Sun Creative, Rick Briggs of WhiteWater West, Jeff Havlik of PGAV Destinations, Matt Jackson of Adirondack Studios, and Stefan Lawrence of Rethink Leisure & Entertainment.
The teams were tasked with designing an immersive experience utilising state-of-the-art water ride technology within certain spatial and financial constraints. Entries were judged on criteria including completeness, legibility, creativity, quality, and realism. 54 teams of students from 35 universities entered this year’s contest.
Logo and concept art (top) for “Cryptid Creek”, courtesy of WhiteWater West Industries Ltd.
