KINGS DOMINION’S COCONUT SHORES TO UNDERGO RENOVATION

BY GABRIELLE

The Coconut Shores water play area for children at the Kings Dominion Soak City Water Park in Virginia is to receive an exciting redesign. The renovation project is being undertaken by the Aquatic Development Group (ADG) and should be ready for visitors to enjoy by May 2020.

The new Coconut Shores will be bigger thanks to ADG’s innovative design methods, with the incorporation of an underused 35,000 square foot wave pool nearby that will allow them to build two new attractions.

The first new attraction will consist of a multi-level play structure with over 200 interactive water features and multiple kid-friendly slides. ADG will also install their trademarked Mini Harbour water ride attraction, essentially a miniature wave pool powered by ADG’s WaveTek technology featuring waves up to 12 inches high.

“We are very excited to watch the Kings Dominion Coconut Shores project come to life,” said ADG’s president, Jim Dunn.

Adult visitors can also enjoy a new dining experience with various cuisines and cocktails available, with parents able to supervise their kids from a selection of chaise lounges in the newly renovated spaces of Lighthouse Landing and Sand Dune Lagoon.

The vice president and general manager of Kings Dominion, Tony Johnson, added: “The investment in Soak City demonstrates our commitment to being Virginia’s premier water park.”

NEW MOUNTAIN COASTER TO OPEN AT LAKE PLACID OLYMPIC FACILITY

BY GABRIELLE

ADG Mountainsides, a division of Aquatic Development Group, has been selected by the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA), to design and build a new mountain coaster.

The downhill mountain coaster will be a new attraction at the Lake Placid Olympic Sports Complex at Mt. Van Hoevenberg. Known as the Mount Van Hoevenberg coaster, the attraction will be the longest coaster in the United States.

The installation of the 7600’ mountain coaster is already underway, and the ride is due to open in the autumn of 2020.

The track, which resembles the 1980 Olympic bobsled run, was designed by ORDA and ADG. A custom-made sled will match the existing bobsled carts. This family-friendly ride can reach speeds of up to 25mph.

Speakers equipped on the ride will mimic the atmosphere of the Olympic Games, blasting out music and narrative.

Mayor Craig Randall in an ORDA, commented: “Sports and tourism are the major industries for Lake Placid and the region. The investments that are being proposed for our recreational facilities are fully supported by the guests and spectators who come to the area. Additionally, we are confident that this activity will spur additional private investment in lodging properties.”

ADG AWARDED WORLD WATERPARK’S 2019 LEADING EDGE AWARD

BY GABRIELLE

Aquatic Development Group (ADG) has won the World Waterpark’s Leading Edge Award 2019 for two innovative waterpark projects – the Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark and Island H20 Live!

The Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark was designed and built by ADG, in partnership with Architectural Design Consultants (ADCI). The Kartrite Resort is located on the Resorts World campus in the Catskill Mountains area of New York.

The site opened in May 2019. It spans an area of two acres, comprising of a four-season indoor waterpark and a luxury hotel.

Greg Silver, president & CEO of EPR Properties, owners of the Kartrite resort, said: “As you can see from this beautiful property, as well as with their portfolio of other successful projects, we know we made the right choice in choosing ADG as our partner. They are first class, best in the country, and that’s the quality of a product we were looking to deliver here at the Kartrite.”

ADG also designed and built Island H20 Live!, Central Florida’s newest waterpark. The park covers 11.5 acres, boasts a tropical theme and is home to more than 20 different attractions.

The centrepiece of the waterpark is a 24,000sq.ft. wave pool, which is powered by ADG’s Wavetek wave system.

Other key attractions include a 1,300ft. long lazy river with a 500sq.ft. beach entry, family raft rides, water coasters and a gated pool escape for adults.

WAVETEK CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY AS WAVE TECH INDUSTRY LEADERS

BY GABRIELLE

WaveTek, an industry leader in the design and manufacturer of wave generation equipment, is celebrating being at the forefront of providing innovative wave products and pool technology for 50 years.

In the United States, ADG’s WaveTek wave generation systems represents more than 90% of recreational wave systems installed throughout the nation. Around the world, WaveTek’s systems are installed in more than 450 locations.

Developing industry ‘firsts’, such as the first pnuematic system to be installed in the US, the first six-foot pneumatic parallel wave, the first lazy river waves, the first double break wave pool floor, staggered caisson design, gutterless wave pool and the first tsunami solitary wave technology, alongside many other innovations, including the patented VaraWave technology, WaveTek has been smashing boundaries in wave system innovation in the US and around the world.

As Jim Dunn, president of ADG, commented:

“WaveTek waves are unmatched in the industry. We’ve combined creativity and technology to provide our clients with innovative wave pool shapes, technological advancements and creative applications that are not found anywhere else in the industry.

“WaveTek is continually evolving to meet the growing demands of our clients, and we are always working towards what’s next,” Dunn added.

To mark their 50th year at the forefront of the industry, ADG has launched a new WaveTek logo, designed to represent the brand and its modernisation.

ISLAND H20 LIVE! OPENS TO THE PUBLIC

BY GABRIELLE

Island H20 Live!, the newest waterpark in Central Florida, has now opened its doors to the public. The tropical-themed waterpark officially opened to the public in the first week of July.

The park has been designed and built by Aquatic Development Group (ADG). The site is 11.5 acres in size and features more than 15 water slides and attractions designed for all ages and levels of thrill-seeking intensity.

Amongst the rides is a 24,000 square foot dual beach wave pool that’s powered by ADG Wavetek’s wave generation technology.

An activity pool at the park features a river crossing, basketball, an interactive, multi-level play structure, and an activity pool for children with nine waterslides and play features. There’s also a 1,300 feet-long lazy river with a 500 square feet beach entry.

Also at H20 Live! is a 2,500 square feet pool for adults only, with a spacious decking area and lounge next to a ‘Tag Shack’ bar and grill.

The waterpark is also the first resort to feature WhiteWater’s Vantage Technology, designed to encourage social interaction and enhance the visitor experience by enabling guests to personalise their stay at the waterpark.

Jim Kunau, general manager at Island H20 Live!, spoke about what visitors can expect at the new Central Florida waterpark.

“We have an incredible variety of attractions at Island H2O Live! including water coasters, family raft rides, a wave pool, lazy river, kid-friendly experiences and more,” said Kunau.