Waterpark Consultants
Leisure Business Advisors LLC (LBA) is a consulting firm that
conducts the feasibility study, the first step in starting a new
waterpark. Industry consultants typically prepare this study for
the developer, and it is generally required by financing
institutions or investors.
The study forecasts targeted usage by applying market penetration
rates to market segments. These rates are influenced by market
size, demographics, competition, and the experience of comparable
facilities elsewhere. The feasibility study also projects
potential financial performance and recommends the maximum
development costs that would allow an acceptable
return-on-investment to investors. These are key issues for those
that may finance the project.
The study also provides initial physical planning parameters to
assist the waterpark designer during the design stage of
development. It is critical that the designs are in line with
market needs and expected cash flow. These physical planning
guidelines need to be in place before construction and building
can start. Designers, builders, and managers can all benefit from
the guidance provided in the consultant's study.
As part of the feasibility study, LBA can work closely with you in
preparing the initial image package that would assist designers in
the design stage of development that follows the feasibility
stage. We could provide a walk-through description and color
artist conceptual images of your new waterpark seen through the
eyes of a typical visitor. These would preliminarily suggest the
general "look and feel" of the new park in financing and marketing
presentations.
Selected past waterpark consulting projects are described below.
All involved John Gerner, LBA's managing director.
Water Park Expert Testimony (Niagara
Falls, New York USA)
LBA was retained by Empire State Development Corporation, a
public authority of the state of New York, to evaluate the
feasibility of reopening Fallsville Splash Park in Niagara
Falls. It was the subject of a New York State Supreme Court
case. John Gerner served as an expert witness in tourist
attraction development in this court case in early 2009.
Harris Beach was the attorney for this state authority and
the main client contact. In the court's decision filed on
April 5, 2010, it states "the Court places additional
reliance on the testimony of John Gerner. Mr. Gerner is a
leisure industry expert." Click
here for the court's decision.
Boardwalk at Hersheypark (Hershey,
Pennsylvania USA)
The Boardwalk at Hersheypark is a waterpark area of the
theme park that opened in 2007. It includes a wave pool,
lazy river, seven slides, and a children's play area. Gerner
Consulting evaluated the market and financial potential of
water park activities for Hersheypark management as a
subcontractor to Economics Research Associates.
Morgan County Aquatic Center (Madison,
Georgia USA)
The Morgan County Aquatic Center opened in 2009, and is a
public facility operated by the Morgan County Parks and
Recreation Department. LBA conducted a feasibility study for
the aquatic center as a subcontractor to Doran &
Karwoski, Inc.
