WWA
What started out as an idea in the head of a sports photographer in 1997 has blossomed into one of the largest independently owned and highly acknowledged trade publications for the amusement industry. We’re talking about none other than the Arlington-based Gary Slade publication titled Amusement Today. Since its inception, this over 20-year-old mag has been owned and published by Slade, who is the recipient of a duo of recent accolades.
Slade’s first pat on the back came when he was inducted into the New England Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (NEAAPA) Hall of Fame in March. Most recently, Slade was inducted into the World Waterpark Association (WWA) Hall of Fame last week.
According to a release, Slade was given this second award for his 27 years of ‘news’ service to the waterpark industry. Add to this his annual support for WWA’s World’s Largest Swim Lesson promotion through his Amusement Today publication.
“I want to the thank the entire WWA organization and its Board of Directors for this worldwide honor,” Slade said. “It’s hard to believe that a sports photographer from a small West-Texas town could enjoy the success that Amusement Today has had. I’m most thankful for the worldwide group of friends I have made, thanks to membership in the World Waterpark Association. I never thought my love for parks, and roller coasters, would expand to witness and enjoy the birth, along with the rapid growth, of waterparks into the global industry it is today.”
Also inducted into the Hall of Fame with Slade were John Child, Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool, England, U.K.; Gaylee W. Gillim, Attorney At Law and member of International Amusement and Leisure Defense Association and Rob Lawson, Innovator and Daldorado CEO. There are currently 108 members of the WWA Hall of Fame.
Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, the WWA was established in 1982 as an international non-profit member-based trade association that serves waterparks, aquatic venues, spray parks and other water attraction-themed parks. The WWA is focused on providing its worldwide member base with the education and networking that they need to operate safely and effectively.
