Keep On Splashin'!

Welcome to our new Guide to Waterparks & Splash Play Areas.

If you're a long-time reader, you know that we try to visit aquatics-related stories in nearly every issue of Recreation Management, while featuring a closeup look at swimming pools and their operations, programming, management and more in our annual Guide to Aquatic Centers.

But waterparks and splash play areas, while they fall into the realm of aquatics, with similar needs for management of water quality, careful lifeguarding and risk management and, well, water, offer unique challenges and innovations. That's why we decided to launch this new guide, which will take you through the latest and greatest.

We begin on page 6, with an overview of some of the newest trends in waterparks, from rides that thrill people of all ages to innovations that get guests excited about coming back time and again and spending more time in your park.

On page 16, we turn to splash play areas—those increasingly prevalent zero-depth play areas that make for a splashing good time. These amenities have come a long way since they were first introduced, with new innovations focused on better managing water quality to protect splashers from recreational water illnesses, as well as lighting options and ideas to help encourage kids of all ages to have fun in the water.

Finally, on page 26, we focus our spotlight on risk management in waterparks and splash play areas, which require unique approaches and lifeguarding skills.

We hope that you find something useful to take away from this new guide, and encourage you to reach out and let us know what else you'd like to see more of!

Have Fun!

Emily Tipping
Editorial Director,
Recreation Management
[email protected]