Supersize meals, grande cappuccinos, Hummers. In America, it seems the bigger, the better. Kalahari Resort’s Sandusky, Ohio, property is betting that attitude translates to the waterpark resort market.
First opened in May 2005, the African-themed indoor and outdoor waterpark resort now claims to be the largest property under one roof in the United States. That follows a 93,000-square-foot expansion to the original 80,000-square-foot park.
At 173,000 square feet, the resort’s indoor waterpark now is larger than three football fields. That’s plenty of room to house a host of innovative features, including a 221-gallon-plus wave pool with eight ocean-like settings, and a state-of-the-art transparent roof system that softens acoustic conditions and allows enough natural light in to grow live tropical foliage.
Some of the top attractions are Swahili Swirl, billed as the world’s largest behemoth bowl, which can rotate up to four people through a 60-foot-diameter bowl; Cheetah Race, four-lane mat racers with a 55-foot incline; and a 3,7000-square-foot basketball pool. Guests also can try the “water coaster”; the 680-foot-long lazy river; a three-story play structure; a 2,500-square-foot play area designed for the little ones; and, for the more mature, five whirlpool spas and an indoor/outdoor spa with a swim-up bar. To keep all of these amenities going, it takes more than 1 million gallons of water to fill the park, which can accommodate up to 4,000 guests.
For summer visitors, Kalahari Sandusky also features a 77,000-square-foot outdoor waterpark. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day (weather permitting), the outdoor park includes a full lineup of waterpark slides, pools and interactive play elements. Guests also have the option of renting one of the private bungalows, which includes a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator and lounge chairs.
When it comes to resort amenities, Kalahari is no shrinking violet either. It includes more than 880 guest rooms and suites; luxury condos; day spa; eight dining options; an indoor miniature golf course; one of the largest arcades in the Midwest; several retail shops; a state-of-the-art fitness center; and a fully equipped convention center.
With such a broad range of offerings, Kalahari Sandusky is looking to be a big success with families and business travelers alike.
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