Andy Aligator’s Announces New Facilty, to Include Water Park
Waterpark coming to Norman next year
By Joy HamptonThe Norman Transcript
NORMAN — On Wednesday, Kyle Allison, general manager of Andy Alligator’s Fun Park in Norman, announced that the family entertainment facility will expand to include a water park.
The fun park opened at Interstate 35 and Indian Hills Road in November 2007 and has been growing each year. The water park is a significant expansion for the family-operated and family-oriented business.
Allison’s announcement came in the form of a special presentation at the Norman Convention and Visitors Bureau board meeting and luncheon.
The $4.5 million expansion will include four and a half acres located west of the fun park and within Norman city limits. Allison said a feasibility study described it as a “great site” for a water park. The study indicated what people have been talking about for some time — that a water park is badly needed in this area.
The Allison family hopes the expansion will draw tourist dollars and more sales tax into Norman.
“We pull guests all the way from Ardmore,” Allison said.
Often visitors wanting to avoid the traffic in Dallas will select Norman as a destination spot. Andy Alligator’s partnered this summer with Embassy Suites for a tourist package that was very successful, he said.
The water park will be smaller in scale than White Water Bay, but it will have many unique features. The lower maintenance cost of the smaller site means lower entry fees for the family-friendly venue.
One of the most important features is that this water park will be geared toward families with children. Larger water parks are geared toward older children and teens. The water park at Andy’s Alligators will have more venues for younger children.
Cabanas, unique water features not available elsewhere in the state and other amenities will make it a premier destination for families locally and regionally.
Groundbreaking is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Oct. 12. The public is invited. The park will open in May 2012.
Andy’s Alligator’s is locally owned and operated by the Allision family.
Kyle Allison was named to Norman’s “15 Under 40” this year. He has worked in the family business most of his life. Allison said his family takes pride in living and reinvesting in Norman. He owns a home in Norman, volunteers through Norman Next and dreams of running a philanthropic organization to benefit the youth of central Oklahoma who want to be future business leaders.
Read more details of the coming water park in The Transcript’s Sunday Business section.
Joy Hampton 366-3539 jhampton@ normantranscript.com