2017 Waterpark Forecast: Continued Growth

David J. Sangree, MAI, CPA, ISHC | April 5, 2017

By David J. Sangree, MAI, CPA, ISHC Introduction The waterpark industry continues to expand in North America, with more than $550 million worth of new investment in indoor and outdoor waterparks and their related resorts in 2016. Waterpark related development is expected to grow in 2017, with over 40 expansions and new facilities opening. In 2017, we project 16 municipal and nine private outdoor waterparks will open, outpacing 2016's nine municipal and five private outdoor additions. We foresee continued, albeit slower, growth in the indoor segment, where an additional 243,000 square feet of waterpark space are planned. Two of this year...