A year after H2O Aquapark opened in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, the reviews are in: The indoor waterpark has been a major hit among both local residents and tourists. But park patrons aren't the only ones raving about the new park's attractions. H2O Aquapark also earned a Golden Pony Award in the international competition among amusement industry operators that is bestowed by publisher Facto Edizioni and Games & Parks Industry magazine. The announcement of the 2014 winners took place in March in Moscow during the RAAPA Exhibition.

Selim Doguoglu, head of the Russian office of Polin Waterslides & Pool Systems (Istanbul, Turkey), said it was no surprise that H2O Aquapark won the prestigious award. "The park has been extremely popular since it first opened. Waterparks are becoming exceptionally popular in Russia, and H2O truly stood out in offering slides and other features that guests love and are eager to experience."

Polin manufactured and supplied all waterslides in the park. The waterpark opened in June 2013 as part of the Horizon Megacenter Mall (also known as the Gorizont) after only five months of construction. The waterpark addition to the mall-the largest mall in Southern Russia-covers more than 24,000 square meters (78,740 square feet) with more than 6,000 square meters (64,583 square feet) devoted to the waterpark. While the mall offers a wide variety of amenities to patrons-including a multiplex cinema, a family entertainment complex, a bowling alley and a fitness center-owner NGO Gorizont LLC believed the new addition would be an important addition to the mall's success. They invested 1.393 billion rubles (US$45 million) into the all-season complex, which accommodates up to 2,500 people and employs 160 people.

An Extra-Attractive Appearance
Polin's ability to successfully supervise the design and installation of the waterslides and other aquatic features at H2O Aquapark was eased by its opening of a regional office in nearby Krasnador, Russia. Doguoglu said that being so near simplified Polin's ability to meet the project's needs. "We were on-site during the entire process," he pointed out. "that made us immediately accessible in overseeing the entire complex's construction and being able to handle any last-minute issues or problems that cropped up."

In determining what would make the park the most attractive to guests, H2O's owners requested that Polin include attractions that feature the waterslide designer's exclusive Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) technology. This advanced feature gives Polin products an appealing, shiny interior and exterior. When combined with Polin's Natural Light and Special Pattern Effects, the slides become particularly impressive.

Attracting the Young and Young-at-Heat
H2O Aquapark features water slides to entice a wide range of guests. Offerings range from a children's pool and play area to a high-capacity wave pool, spa pools with hydro and air massage, a dedicated swimming pool for water polo and water aerobics, and high-tech waterslides, the highest of which reaches more than 59 feet (18 meters). 

Polin-designed attractions include:Multislide that lets everyone enjoy the thrill of head-to-head action; Kamikaze + Freefall - fast and fun; Magic Hole - an enclosed slide with its unique elliptical shape and flat bottom; Turbo Tunnel Slide + Space Hole; Black Hole; Black Hole+Flying Boats Combination; Tunnel Body Slide; Giant Body Slide; Tsunami Slide; Pirate Themed Water Play Structure. 

Year-Round Fun
H2O Aquapark keeps patrons' interest year-round by offering a variety of special events, such as a recent youth festival with a Jamaican theme, including music, contests and special gifts; a "Taste of Italy" evening of special food offerings; and options such as water aerobics and spa treatments. Other offerings focus on kids' interests, including professional swimming lessons and cartoons. Girls get extra-special treatment with evenings devoted to their interests in fashion, hair styling, bands and pretty-in-pink birthday cakes.

While winning the Golden Pony Award was particularly satisfying for the park's owners, they don't plan to rest on this success. Plans for the future will build on the first year's victories and celebrate the park's award during its inaugural year of business.