IAAPA Attractions Expo 2017

Unique Theming and State-of-the-Art Attractions Prevail at Aquatic Development Group’s Latest Design/Build Water Park

The much-anticipated H2OBX Waterpark opened Thursday, June 22nd, in the Outer Banks (OBX) welcoming guests to one of the most innovatively designed and uniquely located waterparks in the world.

Designed with classic coastal architecture at the forefront, ADG developed the unique waterpark design to reflect the feel of the Outer Banks, offering resort-style comfort along with traditional family fun. The newest waterpark in North Carolina, it sprawls across 20-plus acres near the Wright Memorial Bridge, the northern gateway to the Outer Banks coastal region. The convenient location allows 70% of the inbound and outbound Outer Banks tourism traffic a window view of the expansive waterpark, including slide towers and pools. 

The $46 million H2OBX sets a new benchmark in Carolina coastal tourism attractions and will be experienced by hundreds of thousands of families who vacation in the Tide Water and Outer Banks regions.

ADG, as the lead developer on the project, and working with the renowned Weber Group, carefully designed and themed H2OBX to embrace the culture of the Outer Banks in a relaxed and scenic environment. Vacationers, families and waterpark enthusiasts will be immersed in the rich history of coastal Carolina as H2OBX pays tribute to legendary pirates, boat building and the Wright brothers, while enjoying modern amenities and exhilarating new attractions.

H2OBX delivers enhanced popular attractions as well as several first-to-market slides and experiences, all delivering varying degrees of thrills, lengths, drops, turns and intensity suitable for guests of all ages. Many of the attractions at H2OBX offer cutting-edge innovation including several of ADG’s own innovative water ride attractions. Twin Tides Wave Pool delivers an ocean-simulated current, tide and waves that guests love, but unlike traditional wave pools, it features "dual beachfront” entrance points on opposite ends. Deep Six Adventure Lagoon is a revolutionary adventure attraction, featuring climb, crawl and balance soft mat obstacles and swim zones. Additional attractions include multiple slide complexes, river rides and Calico Jack’s Cove, an immersive, multi-level, pirate-themed, play structure, offering waterslides and interactive water effects. Several fusion waterslides, boast special effects including aqua-lucent lighting to increase the thrill factor.  

In keeping with the resort feel, ADG carefully designed H2OBX’s park layout to include numerous places to relax and spend the day enjoying the atmosphere. 50 private cabanas offer first-class amenities and luxury guest service in a private oasis setting. Shaded seating areas, and multiple food and beverage outlets deliver variety and quality, from snacks to gourmet.

“H2OBX will certainly be showcased by the World Waterpark Association in a class of its own. We take great pride in having the opportunity to deliver the most progressive and exciting water park attraction to open on the Outer Banks”, said Brian Czarnecki, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for H2OBX. “We are thrilled to be welcoming our first guests and honored to show off this incredible park.”

Renowned Waterpark Development Team

H2OBX developers Ken Ellis, Arthur Berry III, Tim Gantz and Jeff Malarney each bring substantial experience in their respective fields; waterpark development, planning, operations and market tourism. Ken Ellis, president and CEO of Aquatic Development Group (ADG), the premier waterpark design/build company in the U.S., is also co-owner with Arthur Berry III of Camelback Resort, home to Aquatopia indoor waterpark and Camelbeach outdoor waterpark. Tim Gantz is the former owner and operator of America’s Largest Outdoor Waterpark, Noah’s Ark, and Jeff Malarney, former Navy JAGC, has been intimately involved in the North Carolina vacation rental industry, recently serving two terms on the North Carolina Real Estate Commission, and a local Outer Banks resident and practicing attorney.

ADG served as the lead designer and builder of H2OBX. Drawing on decades of experience, ADG’s team designed the park to include exceptional first-to-market and hybrid attractions with attention to detail and distinctive features that guests of all ages and interests will enjoy. WhiteWater West was the lead waterslide supplier and installer on the project, and the renowned Weber Group designed the expertly themed buildings and structures.

“This has been an extraordinary project because of my own personal involvement and vested interest in H2OBX,” said Ellis, “I’m extremely proud of the talented and diligent team at ADG and the work put forth by so many others who have created such a unique waterpark. H2OBX is incredibly innovative because we had the full force of the industry’s best people behind it.”

About Aquatic Development Group (ADG):

Aquatic Development Group (ADG) designs and builds indoor and outdoor water parks and recreational water ride attractions for all types of venues from large amusement parks and resorts, to smaller aquatic and municipal settings.  All of their products and designs, from innovative wave pools and rivers to surf rides and adventure lagoons, are developed on the basis of creating unique guest experiences that maximize in-park capacity, encourage incidental purchases, entice repeat visits and increase length of stay. 

ADG’s has installed more than 90% of all wave systems in the U.S. with their patented WaveTekTM technology and has provided design/build and equipment services to more than 4,000 public, scholastic, leisure resort and amusement facilities worldwide.  They have won numerous IAPPA Brass Ring and WWA Leading Edge Awards for their innovative water parks and water ride attractions.  For more information visit: www.aquaticgroup.com.