News & Press Releases

Innovations, Rising Temps Leading to Big Summer For Area Waterparks

Fairfax, VA(July 8, 2010) – As the mercury climbs, so does attendance at five waterparks owned and operated by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority.

“We’d like to think it’s a combination of some of our great theming efforts and the heat we’ve seen in June and July,” said NVRPA Executive Director Paul Gilbert. “In any event, we’re seeing unprecedented numbers, even for this time of year.” Gilbert isn’t exaggerating either. To date, NVRPA waterparks have seen a total of just under 40,000 more visitors in 2010 versus last year, an astonishing leap. By comparison, that’s roughly 12,000 more people than the entire population of the City of Falls Church.

At Great Waves Waterpark at Cameron Regional Park in Alexandria for example, admissions are up almost 50% compared with this date last year. That’s an astounding number considering Great Waves is NVRPA’s highest capacity waterpark facility, and has been popular for years. This year, however, the enthusiasm for Great Waves, just off the Beltway at exit 174, is at an all time high.

“People want to beat the heat and they know that Great Waves is the best place to come,” said Great Waves Manager Ben Bilko. “Our wave pool is huge, our slides are awesome. Throw in the kids area, shark shack and Riptide Café and it’s the best way to stay cool during these scorchers.”

But Great Waves isn’t the only one dealing with record crowds. Volcano Island Waterpark, located at Algonkian Regional Park in Sterling, has also benefited from the intense heat so far this summer … but with a bit of a different perspective than last summer. NVRPA spent the offseason transforming what had been Downpour Waterpark into Volcano Island, a tropical themed facility with loads of new features and a whole new look. Local residents have noticed the changes as well – Volcano Island admissions are up a whopping 70 percent over this date last year.

“I think the heat has helped, but word of our changes at Volcano Island has really been positive,” Gilbert noted. “It looks and feels like a brand new waterpark, and in many ways, it is.”

NVRPA’s theming efforts from recent years is paying off with lots of family fun. Atlantis Waterpark, which was rethemed prior for 2009 is up more than 52% this summer to date (after enjoying a great summer last year). Atlantis features an ancient Greek theme, complete with mermaids and other key pieces of the lost continent. The waterpark is located at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville.

Pirate’s Cove, NVRPA’s first real foray into remodeling and retheming, also continues to grow, up nearly 40% this summer. The pirate-themed facility has been a favorite with residents around Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton, and shows no signs of slowing. Upton Hill in Arlington has also experienced a bump this summer, seeing a nearly 10 percent increase in business despite being nearly at capacity every day.

NVRPA offers a BOUNCE pass program to park goers. For a one time charge, users have unlimited access to not just their favorite pool but all five NVRPA waterpark facilities. BOUNCE passes are sold at each site. For more information on NVRPA’s fabulous waterparks, visit www.nvrpa.org.