| The Niagara area offers vacation
goers an abundance of choices in accommodations. Americana sought to stand
out from the crowd by adding a water park attraction. Traditional water
parks are vulnerable to the whims of the weather but an enclosed indoor park
offers the perfect solution to keep guests happy year-round.
After careful consideration, the company chosen to help Americana realize
their goal was OpenAire – the global leader in custom-designed retractable
roof enclosures and operable skylights. OpenAire’s professional design team
worked closely with Aquatic Development Group and White Water Industries to
create a structure that would truly complement their vision for the water
park. The aluminium thermally broken frame spans 133’ wide by 144’ long. In
fact, OpenAire’s truss concept allows for clear spanning of widths greater
than 155’ – an impressive feat that is unique to this company alone.
OpenAire’s flexibility in custom-design made it possible to accommodate a
28’ high slide platform by creating a dormer over the slide area. However,
the most stunning feature of all is the operable roof panels, controlled by
the touch of a button; it allows for the opening of almost 50% of the roof
area.
The enclosure’s framing system is composed of an aesthetic combination of
aluminium, glass, and polycarbonate. Combined with the opening roof, the
result is a complete package that provides clarity and freshness. This
combination also lends itself beautifully to designing any water park around
themes that invoke a natural atmosphere of warm sunshine and fresh breezes.
Americana owner Jim DiBellonia is especially impressed with the beauty and
longevity of the remarkably maintenance-free structure.
“As an attraction for customers providing a fun filled, attractive
destination, this was an obvious decision. From a practicality perspective,
the OpenAire structure also made economical sense. The solar gain achieved
throughout the spring, summer and early fall months enabled minimum use of
our lighting and HVAC systems. The OpenAire retractable system let the sun
and fresh air do the work of these mechanical systems.” “Why would anyone
not want to build a water park like this?” Jim DiBellonia
Americana’s water park continues to delight its guests. OpenAire’s
enclosure has provided them with shelter from the elements so they can enjoy
indoor fun whether skies are sunny or stormy, all year-round.
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