Waterparks

Meet Jason Arthur

Jason Arthur is entering his 15th year in the waterpark industry and currently serves as the Regional Director of Aquatics for Great Wolf Resorts. Jason is based out of the Great Wolf Lodge @ Kings Island in Mason, Ohio, where he also serves as the Director of Aquatics.

Jason started his career at Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari as a lifeguard in 1993. Since that time, he has worked in all facets of the industry including large and small waterparks, pool management companies, Indoor waterpark resorts, as well as theme parks. Prior to working for Great Wolf Resorts, Jason oversaw the operations of a Six Flags-owned park. During that time, he was in charge of rides, guest services, security, first aid, and waterpark operations. In addition, Jason is also a member of the Associate Staff for Jeff Ellis & Associates where he serves as an Instructor – Trainer.
Jason is serving his first term as a member of the IAAPA Waterpark Committee.

Jason feels that the industry has many capable young managers who will someday lead industry. He takes great pride and satisfaction in training and grooming those young managers to someday lead the charge. He strongly believes in the philosophy that you are only as successful as those around you.

Great Wolf Resorts are family-oriented destination facilities that generally feature 300 to 400 rooms and a large indoor entertainment area measuring 40,000 to 100,000 square feet. The all-suite properties offer a variety of room styles, arcade/game rooms, fitness centers, themed restaurants, spas, supervised children’s activities and other amenities. Great Wolf Resorts currently owns and/or manages 10 properties with two more under construction in Grand Mound, WA, and Concord, NC.

Hot Topics

IAAPA Waterpark Committee Working Behind the Scenes for You!

by Pat Finnegan, Vice President, Aquatic Development and Operations, Chula Vista Resort

Pat Finnegan is chair of the IAAPA Waterpark Committee. The committee met in February 2008 to discuss a variety of industry issues and association objectives. Over the next several months, you will see a number of these issues addressed in articles by IAAPA Waterpark Committee members. We welcome your comments.

Educational Track
For IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008 in Orlando the Waterpark Committee has determined that an all-day educational track is more convenient and beneficial to our waterpark attendees. We are planning a full day of interactive sessions on Monday, November 17. The sessions will involve the attendees in topics concerning the waterpark business today including safety and operations, sales and marketing, revenue hits and misses, and staffing. The committee will have some of the most successful operators from our industry and others to share best practices and new ideas.

In addition to the fantastic educational opportunities the track will include a welcoming session announcing the winners of the 2008 Must-See Waterpark Awards, industry recognition announcements, and a keynote address from one of the Waterpark industry’s most respected innovators.

We will top off the day with a Waterpark Industry Social at Wet ’n Wild for all attendees and sponsors. A great chance to continue the discussions of the day in a casual and friendly environment over your favorite beverage!

Vendor Tour
New this year for waterpark attendees will be the Vendor Tour on Tuesday. Spend two hours walking the trade show floor with a tour guide leading you to specific Waterpark vendors. This is a great way for those new to the trade show or for those tired of walking miles to find your favorite vendor. A great way to plan the rest of your trade show vendor visits.

Aquatica Tour and Social
An absolute MUST DO for waterpark attendees! Take a tour of the newest waterpark in Orlando -- Sea World’s Aquatica Waterpark. An amazingly beautiful waterpark as only Sea World can do with great new rides, incredible pools and rivers, and new and interesting revenue ideas. Don’t forget the dolphins! Details to come.

Business Plan
The 2008 and 2009 IAAPA Waterpark Committee Business Plan has four major components.

First, our goal is to increase waterpark representation in IAAPA through the recruitment of new members and by gaining positions in the association leadership. We will achieve this goal through a variety of initiatives such as Member-get-a-Member campaign and Committee “grass root” efforts, this blog and other communications tools and by maintaining representation in IAAPA volunteer and governance positions.

Second, we plan to improve communications and Waterpark visibility to Waterpark members. Again, this blog and customized content in FUNWORLD, newsletters and internet initiatives.

Third, we will enhance our education and professional development with our educational track and increasing the number and quality of waterpark-specific training resources.

Finally, we will continue to protect members in government relations issues that are critical to the industry. In fact, you should have just received an email update from IAAPA on waterpark legislative issues. If not, please let us know by e-mailing our committee liaison, Julie Parsons, at jparsons@iaapa.org.

Your 2008 Waterpark Committee is committed to your success as a waterpark owner or operator. We believe that there is strength in numbers and we are all tied to each other. The Waterpark business is challenging but when you have the resources IAAPA and the Waterpark Committee provide it can make those challenges easier to overcome. Good luck to you all and may your 2008 be a splashing success!

Pat