‘A success with room to improve’: Year 1 of Williston Water World

WILLISTON, N.D. (KUMV) - Officials with Williston Parks and Recreation say Williston Water World’s first season was a huge success, but far from perfect.

Executive Director Joe Barsh said they’ll be spending the offseason figuring out how to improve.

Water World averaged between 325 and 375 people per day. Barsh claims that the most significant accomplishments were having enough lifeguards to keep the place staffed and the idea to use local community organizations to run concessions.

“Over $25,000 went back into the community with over 14 different community groups coming in to work the concessions,” said Barsh.

Barsh said lifeguard burnout was a challenge after a few weeks, due to the immense amount of work involved in managing hundreds of children, but they were able to make it through.

“I had to tell staff last week, ‘Hey, smile. You guys crushed it. Water World is extremely successful,” said Barsh.

The construction crews who built the attraction will now put their finishing touches on the site, as well as winterize it. Barsh said the parks department is taking lots of notes as it will be its responsibility going forward.

“Everyone from the engineering and architect teams are still on the hook for a first winterization that will protect our operations and make sure we have the right training in place,” said Barsh.

Park officials and leaders will also be meeting for “Water World Weeklies,” a time for planning and improvement ahead of next summer. The primary discussion will focus on how to improve the lifeguard positions.

“They’re first responders. They have huge jobs, so I can’t take any spotlight from them. It’s so important we have great customer service at that window,” said Barsh.

Barsh said the plan is to open either in late May or early June of next year.

The cost of managing Water World isn’t known, as Barsh said they’re still purchasing stuff. The Williston Community Builders is managing most of the bill as part of a three-year contract.