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.
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Introducing Tidal Cove Waterpark of Aventura, Fla. – a 2021 Dream Design
Set in a nationally recognized resort, this waterpark balances broad family appeal with an upscale resort aesthetic.
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Kalahari’s Latest Resort, in Round Rock Texas, Named as 2021 Dream Design
Now the world's largest indoor waterpark, this newest Kalahari property offers dozens of features in an African-inspired backdrop.
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Waterpark at Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Listed as Dream Designs Honoree
With its 214-foot slides and distinctive Southwest and Mission styles, this aquatics complex breathed new life into a well-established desert resort.
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Hyatt Regency Aruba’s Trankilo Pool Named 2021 Dream Design
The clever outline of this pool not only leaves a striking form, but facilitates privacy in its many nooks.
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Omni Las Colinas of Irving, Texas Takes Title of 2021 Dream Design
The striking design of this resort pool was meant to draw people from around the world — or down the street.
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UNC Charlotte Recreation Center Recognized as 2021 Dream Design
In both form and function, this university facility blends the traditional with the present-day.
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The St. James of Springfield, Va. Named in Aquatics Intl. Dream Designs Issue
This design expands on the traditional concept of a training facility, with features to entertain family members who usually wait in the wings.
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Check Out This 2021 Dream Design: Scott Carpenter Pool of Boulder, Colo.
A clever space theme and variety of aquatic options honor this facility's namesake and the community.
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Competition Pool at West Covina, Calif.’s Edgewood High School Named 2021 Dream Design
Set in a complex that accommodates many of the high school’s sports, this pool celebrates athletics at its best.
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Hackley School — Walter C. Johnson Center for Health and Wellness Honored as Aquatics International Dream Design
A private prep school facility balances the athletic with a growing wellness program, all while saving energy.
