In our April issue, the story “Wet And Wild” showcased how Alabama-based Montgomery Whitewater is reestablishing the South as a major U.S. recreation destination. But it’s not only giving adventurers new parts of the country to explore during vacations. Montgomery Whitewater is revising and deepening a long-standing regional narrative.
Montgomery was a central location for the Civil Rights Movement and is home to the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, both of which examine the history of slavery and racial violence in America. Some might argue that the opening of a facility like Montgomery Whitewater stands at odds with what the city is known for. But layering in new recreation options adds nuance and modernity to the local story while ushering in economic growth. The history will forever be the history — this is simply a new chapter.
The region is becoming a recreation-tourism hotspot, and that’s a net-positive, for residents, visitors, and everyone in-between.
In that spirit, this year’s Waterparks issue isn’t only about flashy amenities or notable equipment upgrades. Each in their own ways, our core stories present waterparks in a new light, offering food for thought and compelling ideas about the future of water play.
Several of these articles challenge who waterparks are for (e.g., multigenerational and all-abilities features), how waterparks are promoted to the public, and what purpose these spaces serve in terms of regional storytelling and revenue generation. A waterpark isn’t simply a place for antsy children to splash around and cool off. It’s a destination for the entire family to bond, a space for everyone of every ability and skill level to have fun, and a beacon of activity that can change a community’s fortune for the better.
And that same energy — of reimagining existing narratives — flows through our other stories. From the multipurpose power of nature centers to the importance of cultural competency and seamless service at campgrounds, the stories we tell about the places we love are changing.
That’s a good thing.
Even if it sounds scary, it’s exciting to rethink what makes a great waterpark or how to create a meaningful camp experience because the stories we tell become richer and thus more likely to reach more people. Trends come and go, but it’s important to acknowledge that the people we serve are evolving in more permanent ways.
Residents are in need of opportunities to connect offline, and waterparks (as well as seasonal programming and camps) can be a vital resource. Yes, their primary objective is to help patrons safely let loose and splash around with abandon. But also, they’re more than that. From industry thought leadership to design choices, it’s clear that decision-makers and experts understand this. Now, it’s up to the rest of us to help parkgoers connect the dots.
