by Nancy Patterson, OpenAire
As 2024 comes to a close, let’s reflect on what’s new in the world of water park trends. And frankly…it’s water.
It seems that the trend in the industry for new indoor and outdoor water park designs at the moment is the addition of large bodies of water. Whether they are for large-format surfing or man-made swimming lagoons, the trend seems clear: the newest parks currently being planned include a large body of water that can be monetized.
Water park trends: wave pools, lagoons and more
The demand for these features integrated into mixed-use developments that include hotels, shopping, wellness and sometimes residential communities is expanding upon the basics of traditional water parks; namely entertainment association with water.
In Surf Parks Industry Growth and Trends 2024, Stephen Szczygiel, CHIA, of Hotel & Leisure Advisors, said: “2024 is set to be a record-breaking year with the opening of nine new wave pools, marking the largest single-year increase in man-made surf parks to date.”
In another publication, Man-Made Lagoons Gain Popularity, he also added: “According to our research, there are over 100 lagoons with various technology providers in the planning stages of development across the United States.”
The style and location of many of these planned facilities reflect the advancement in the technology of these surf and lagoon systems and the growing emphasis on sustainable practices. Yet, discussing sustainability and excessive bodies of water seems like an oxymoron.
Water use vs. water consumption
As an industry it is our prerogative to change the narrative around water use versus water consumption. It is common knowledge amongst those of us in the industry that although water parks need a large volume of water, once we have it, we keep it.
Statistics show that most water park-related facilities aim to keep, on average, 98% of the water in use. The 2% that cannot be saved due to evaporation, backwash, etc., is all that is replaced. The public perception of “water parks as water hogs” is simply not factual. A stat we must collectively dispel.
It is actually true that advancements in technology, whether for water consumption, surfing, slides, and now water park buildings, allow water park operators, designers and developers to be more sustainable. In 2024 and beyond, it is both necessary and desired by many consumers that the places where they spend their hard-earned cash are better for the future.
Water park trends: sustainability
Sustainable practices are, in fact, the other major trend in 2024. The water park industry does not need to greenwash its clients with false claims of sustainable practices. They can actually walk the walk.
From more efficient filtration to implementing solar energy to utilizing natural ventilation in building construction, which reduces energy costs, the options for “going green” are and will continue to be a priority. And they have never been easier to implement.
It’s true the options for sustainable development continue to increase and be easy to apply. Yet, they are a capital expense for existing facilities. Things like switching to LED lighting and adopting water recirculation come at a cost but will provide operations savings over time. However, the positive media coverage and guest loyalty will pay off as sustainability transitions from a “nice-to-have” to a “must-have”.
New additions and upgrades
Elsewhere in the 2024 water park industry, where adding large bodies of water is not a viable option, improvements in technology have allowed slide manufacturers to continue to be the cornerstone of any aquatic venue. Bigger, better, more efficient slides and attractions continue to be added and upgraded within new and existing parks.
At the same time, technological advancements allow operators to significantly improve safety, cleanliness, and, of course, guest services. With more customized service offerings, improved and expedited safety procedures and the ability to meet the demands of ever more tech-savvy clientele.
See also: AI is here, but does it matter to waterparks yet?
With increasingly urban populations and the high cost of living, local entertainment is driving water park demand. Life is expensive, so locally based entertainment venues that meet the cultural needs of diverse populations are on the rise. A trend that water parks globally can and are capitalizing on. The barriers of high operating costs and seasonal dependencies are still a factor. However, the increase in indoor & outdoor venues continues to rise.
In 2024 and beyond, water parks will continue to be a growing market segment within the entertainment industry. Despite the consolidation of major traditional water park operators (in the US), small independent water park operators and developers show no signs of slowing in the adoption of new industry innovations and trends.
2025 will be an exciting year for development as the industry continues to grow.
