Aquatic Development Group
The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark
Monticello, N.Y.
Architect/Landscape Architect: Architectural Design Consultants
Aquatic Designer/Consultant/Builder: Aquatic Development Group
Builder, Pool/Spa/Waterfeature Contractor: Aquatic Development Group
General Contractor: Suffolk
Beyond Tetris
Good indoor waterparks are born when designers deftly fit a generous menu of amenities into a confined space in a way that maintains user comfort. Great indoor waterparks arrive when the spacing solutions not only fit everything together, but actually enhance the user experience.
Such is the case at the Kartrite. Attractions include a lazy river, surf simulator, kids’ activity pool with basketball, and a multilevel play structure with slides.
To organize the space, the designers drew on an age-old principle: If you can’t build out, build up. A raised mezzanine creates a whole new surface to accommodate a lounge, cabanas and a bar and grill. But the team built out, as well, designing an indoor/outdoor pool and wrapping waterslides around the outside of the structure.
But less-obvious strategies were employed, too. Plentiful artificial-rock formations and more than 1,000 plant varieties enhance the pathways to create the illusion of walking around in open, natural spaces, helping lift the feeling of restriction. This also reinforced the tropical theme. The translucent structure allows in as much natural light as possible, and helps guarantee 80-degree temperatures.
The park is meant to cater to all ages, not only functionally but aesthetically. The lobby features the high-end design, colors and architecture befitting a premium resort. Here, visitors see a lobby bar, restaurant, retail shop and coffee area before the water attractions are revealed.
Suppliers:
Interactive Waterfeatures: ProSlide, Vortex, Water Odyssey
Lockers: Tiburon
Chemical Controllers: Chemtrol
Pumps: PACO
Seating/Bleachers: Telescope Furniture
Slides: ProSlide
Surf Simulator: Aquatic Development Group
Water Slides: ProSlide
Raft/Tubes/Mats: TubePro, Zebec
Family Entertainment Center Equipment: Family Entertainment Group
Filtration Equipment: ADG Pumps
Scale System: Arlyn Scales
Ropes Course: Ropes Course Inc.
Texlon Roof: Vector Foiltec
Air Handling: Trane