US waterpark with sliding roof aims for year-round audience
A new waterpark is opening in Frankenmuth, Michigan, which could prove to be the envy of aquatic attractions in similar climes. The Atrium Waterpark is fitted with a retractable roof, creating a facility that’s inviting all-year-round.
The Atrium Waterpark is a new addition to the existing Zehnder's Splash Village Hotel and Waterpark, which was opened in 2005. The waterpark resort is part of the Zehnder mini-empire, which includes dining – especially the fried chicken restaurant that made the family’s name – coffee shops, a hotel, gift shops and a golf course.
“We are very excited about giving our guests double the fun at Splash Village,” said Zehnder’s chair and CEO Al Zehnder. “Our overall goal is to offer a four-season family vacation destination.”
As well as its retractable roof, the new US$20m (£12.4m, €15.7) offering means guests can enjoy a hot tub, raft ride, two new six-storey thrill slides and more pool space. The work adds a 29,000sq ft (2,904sqm) extension to the original Splash Village site, bringing the total area to 49,000sq ft (4,552sqm).
The design team for the project included Neuman Pools, Water Technology, Open Aire, WTA Architects, Homespun Design and the Weber Group.
The hotel has also added another 32 rooms, as this Bavarian-themed Frankenmuth powerhouse continues to flourish.
The waterpark officially opens on 31 October.
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