Waldameer's Water Park Expansion Construction Update

Well, it might be cold and snowy in Western Pennsylvania right now, but the folks at Waldameer are thinking ahead to summer. Construction on their massive wave pool and water park expansion is well under way and thanks to a recent post from the park, we've got some pictures of the project so far.

For those that may have missed the announcement last year, the $10 million dollar expansion will include, in addition to the wave pool;  a new food concession building, a new restroom facility (including family restrooms), more ticket booths, new lockers for the water park and even the purchase of 1,000+ lounge chairs for the wave pool and eating areas. That's a lot going on here for the first part of a multi-year expansion they have in the works.

We really enjoyed our quick visit last year to review the park, and get some awesome time on Ravine Flyer II and The Comet as well as their classic dark attractions too. We'll definitely be making another trip back this summer and can't wait to see how the improvements look first hand and for a proper review of things as

Anyway, let's get on with the photos from the latest WaldaBlog post, might not look like much, but it's getting there and I'm sure soon we'll see even more progress. That said, they are doing quite a lot to the area that was once a parking lot.

Wave Pool Progress!

Expansion Plans Revealed as Waldameer's 2015 Wave Pool Project Gets One Step Closer

In article from GoErie.com, the details behind the anticipated 2015 expansion of Waldameer Water World's water park are finally out there.

We knew that they were working on the wave pool for next year, but now we have the location and other information surrounding this massive project as well!

The $10 million expansion will include a new food concession building, a new restroom facility (including family restrooms), more ticket booths, new lockers for the water park and even the purchase of 1,000+ lounge chairs for the wave pool and eating areas.

So, where's this all going and what else is planned? Well, as you can see by the image on the left, there's quite a bit of change that's coming. For starters, the parking lot will be expanded to include a former cottage area and mobile home park to the Southeast. This is necessary due to the placement of the wave pool, restrooms and new restaurant.

Also pictured where 8 of the 16 new ticket booths will be located. Part of the plan is for a brand new entrance to the park to be constructed as well. The other 8 will go at the West parking lot entrance.

Additionally, further expansion will be made possible by the laying of new water lines and there's the hint a kids play structure in the park's future as well. Interestingly enough, they also announced that the park will be open 7 days a week in 2015, instead of it's current Tuesday-Sunday operation schedule.

So, while construction hasn't started yet, the process is sure to be approved by the Millcreek supervisors as the Millcreek Planning Commission has recommended the approval for the expansion.

"It's the first step in the process of getting approval to begin our water park expansion, so we're very excited," said Steve Gorman, the park's president, referring to the planning commission recommendation. "We're excited and pleased that they agree with our plan," he said.

Here's to hoping that things go smoothly in the next phase for Waldameer and that construction goes off without a hitch as well! We recently visited Waldameer as part of our Pennsylvania Small Parks Tour in July, if you're curious of what we thought, check out our review of the park here!

Universal Resorts and Waterparks?!

!RUMOR ALERT!

Well, I can't say I'm surprised with this one.

There has been a rumor for years, that Universal Resorts wanted to add in themed waterpark's to their already growing full service resorts. Universal Orlando has had this rumor following in around since early 2001 and it looks like there is some form of truth to the matter.

Universal apparently holds Patents on some new "Water Park" technologies, as another website Park Rumors as brought to the light with good explanations of how each would work. I have to admit, it's a bit crazy but it looks to be a pretty awesome ride when it comes down to it. I'll attempt to summarize it for you but naturally, all credit to them for finding these gems!

The frist one and most impressive being an "Articulated Water Slide" meaning multiple and movable tracks. The general idea is it would allow a guest or rider to pick what style they want, such as "Mild" or "Wild" then moving the track that fits that dialed request into place. 

That Slide does WHAT?! Patent Info Here! 

All pictures from ParkRumors.Com

You have to admit, it looks scary but it's that kind of scary that screams "You know you want to ride me! Do it! Dooo IT!".  Now I freely admit I'm not the biggest fan of Water Parks but this being implemented would be enough to get even me into a bathing suit and paying admission. The other two images are a more detailed explaination of the main picture, gives you a slightly better idea what on earth their thinking!

Now, The other two new pieces of technology aren't as impressive as a waterslide that will change it's colors depending on the rider but still seem pretty interesting. The first is a multi-directional wave pool, which is pretty easy to figure out. It would allow different waves to go to different areas of a wave pool, even allow for a circular wave pool. ParkRumors.Com found the full patent and even directions on how it would work online, so I'm not even going to try and translate that much and will simply tell you to go look at the pretty pictures!

 Pretty Pictures and Patent: This Way!

The last one honestly seems pretty cool, it would allow visual effects to be created within the water/beach area. Projected somehow onto a surface allowing a better illusion of whatever themeing or idea the park is attempting to go with at the moment. 

More Cool Explainations: This Way! 

A Special Thanks to ParkRumors.Com for finding all this info!