These days, it can seem difficult to gain that sense of steady ground. Thankfully, it appears that we are headed for better days, but it has been a time of uncertainty to say the least.
But some things never waver. People’s devotion to water and its positive impacts presents just such a bedrock. We’ve seen this, for instance, in the countless municipalities that have found ways to retain their aquatics programs at a time when every dollar was precious — and in the protestations of citizens when their towns sought to close down their pools and aquatics centers. The emergence of new waterparks also reminds us of the value we place upon these destinations.
Just as reliable as water’s ability to not only sustain but improve our lives, we find the ingenuity of aquatics designers to maximize its beauty, utility and potential.
That’s what makes our annual Dream Designs issue particularly meaningful in these times. Some highlights:
• Kalahari Resorts & Conventions — Round Rock: The fourth Kalahari branded waterpark resort, located in the Lone Star State, this new property carries the title of world's largest indoor waterpark.
• Tidal Cove Waterpark: This venue no doubt holds a key to its host resort, which was designated one of the top 10 new attractions in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice 2020 Travel Awards.
• UNC Charlotte University Recreation Center: More than a straight physical education facility, this campus aquatics center was designed to nurture and develop the whole person, with their multi-faced physical, spiritual and social needs.
• The St. James: At its heart a training and fitness facility, this destination expands on the concept by including pools and water elements to entertain and occupy the athlete’s patient friends and relative looking to pass time as they wait for training to end.
Also included in this year’s honorees are elegant resort pools, highly charged competition venues and, of course, family aquatics centers.
All selections are below. Enjoy them, and have a wonderful summer.
