Board Awards & Hall of Fame Program | World Waterpark Association

Board Awards & Hall of Fame ProgramAleatha E2024-07-15T13:57:38-05:00

The WWA’s Board of Directors works with park and supplier members, as well as members working on WWA Committees to identify and honor worthy recipients for the annual Board Awards slate.

These Awards recognize excellence in leadership, safety, innovation, training, etc., and honor people working at various levels within the water leisure industry. Hall of Fame inductees and Board Award honorees will be recognized during the Opening General Session taking place at the WWA Show, October 9, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A. Review list of prior Board Award honorees.

Al Turner Memorial Commitment to Excellence award:
Awarded to individuals, parks or organizations that have through their consistent business and professional excellence provided leadership and/or fostered a sense of community in the World Waterpark Association membership.

Executive Board award:
Awarded to an individual or organization for special accomplishments in the water leisure industry that have contributed to industry knowledge and expertise for the benefit of the WWA membership.

Kelly Ogle Memorial Safety award:
Awarded to an individual or organization for significant contributions to guest and employee safety in the water attractions industry.

Leading Edge award:
Awarded to individuals or parks for creativity in the development of new themes, facilities, programs, services or operational concepts in the water attractions industry; and/or to suppliers who have developed new concepts, products or services to the benefit of park members, their customers and the water attractions industry.

Hall of Fame:
The World Waterpark Association Hall of Fame exists to recognize and honor those individuals who have made noteworthy achievements in the development and advancement of the water attractions industry. The WWA Hall of Fame celebrates individuals who have reached a position of eminence through contributions that have provided outstanding service, innovation or advanced the WWA and/or the water attractions industry. Nominations for the Hall of Fame award have closed for 2024.

Prior Award Winners

Kathy Siggers, Wild Water Adventure Park

“After operating a waterpark for 40 years, I know it’s important to stay current. You have to be able to reinvent yourself and stay abreast of the latest best practices and that’s what this show offers.”

Robin Ritz, InCord Play

“The waterpark community gathered at the WWA Show is fantastically supportive, collaborative, creative and resourceful. The WWA Show is a great place to learn, connect and grow as a professional.”

Melissa Lockwood, Baha Mar Resorts

“The WWA Show is a great place to meet like-minded people from around the world! I always walk away with new ideas for products, programs and events which will help me make my park more successful.”

Chandra Edwards-Cottingham, Wet ‘N Wild Water World

“Catching up with all the enthusiastic people that make waterparks their life is rejuvenating and inspirational. The WWA Show is an invaluable way to get a heads up on all the trends in the world of waterparks.”

Juan Richards, Aquaventure, Atlantis Dubai

“Walking the trade show floor at WWA is the first step in solidifying business relationships that will last the lifetime of your operation.”

Carl Blahuta, Splashway Waterpark & Campground

“The WWA Show is where many relationships have begun for us and continue to be made stronger each year.”

Kodi Theilgaard, SplashTacular®

“WWA has always been a place of discovery and comradery for waterpark professionals. The symposium brings gems of knowledge to even the most veteran of professionals and the show floor and social events galvanize old relationships and create plenty of new ones.”