Tag: waterpark

Wilderness at the Smokies resort dives into spring 2011 with record-breaking attendance numbers

Posted by Rick Laney – April 12, 2011

Sevierville, Tenn. – After record-breaking March attendance, Wilderness at the Smokies resort, the Southeast’s largest indoor/outdoor waterpark resort, is diving head-first into April 2011 with its Spring Grand Opening of all outdoor activities and attractions.

One of the three amazing waterparks at Wilderness at the Smokies resort

During April, Wilderness at the Smokies attendance figures rose more than 30 percent over the same time period last year.  The resort attributes a steadily growing spring break crowd and additional rooms that are now available at the resort for the growth.  Wilderness at the Smokies resort offers guests more than 1,500 rooms in a variety of configurations to choose from during their stay.

“As we continue to grow, word is getting out about Wilderness at the Smokies resort,” said Pete Helland, owner of Wilderness at the Smokies.  “Not only is Wilderness at the Smokies unique to the Smokies, it’s unique to the entire Southeast United States – and people are seeing what a great, affordable, family vacation we provide.  I expect that we will continue to see growth and more record-breaking months moving forward.”

April also ushered in the opening of Wilderness at the Smokies’ many outdoor activities – including both Salamander Springs and Cataloochee Creek outdoor waterparks.  Featuring wave pools, waterslides, an adventure river and countless play areas for people of all ages, the outdoor waterparks are always a resort favorite with guests.  The resort’s mini-golf course, cabanas, and outdoor dining facilities also opened this month (all outdoor activities operate weather permitting).

Wilderness at the Smokies resort opened in 2009 and is the Southeast’s largest indoor/outdoor waterpark resort.  With two outdoor waterparks and a 6-acre indoor waterpark, Wilderness also has six restaurants, a deli, gift shops, convenience stores, mini-golf, and a 36-hole championship golf course.  Wilderness is connected to a 100,000 square-foot conference and event center capable of hosting events for 10,000 people.

Wilderness at the Smokies, located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is one of the area’s only year-round vacation destinations.  For more information about Wilderness at the Smokies, call toll-free 877-325-9453 or visit www.WildernessAtTheSmokies.com.

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Media Contact
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550
rlaney@ackermannpr.com

Wilderness at the Smokies Resort To Take Part in Pool Safety Day

Posted by Rick Laney – September 22, 2010

Sevierville, Tenn. –  Wilderness at the Smokies resort will participate in the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) Pool Safety Day on Monday, Sept. 27, 2010.  Pool Safety Day is an opportunity for Wilderness at the Smokies to demonstrate its support of the national public education campaign and the life-saving message that “simple steps save lives.”

“Wilderness at the Smokies is committed to the safety of its guests,” said Dave McGregor, General Manager of Wilderness at the Smokies resort.

Amanda Eaton (far right) teaches a free water safety class to local students at Wilderness at the Smokies resort

McGregor said, “Each and every lifeguard at Wilderness at the Smokies is Ellis Trained and Certified – and they meet the industry’s absolute highest training standards.  Ellis Training involves some of the most rigorous physical and academic testing in the world – and it doesn’t stop at certification.  Over and above the stringent Ellis requirements, Wilderness at the Smokies randomly tests and challenges its lifeguards on a weekly basis to ensure the highest level of safety for our guests.”

CPSC’s Pool Safely campaign is a first-of-its kind national public education effort to reduce child drownings, near-drownings, and entrapments in swimming pools and spas.  The Pool Safely campaign is a key part of the CPSC’s efforts to carry out the requirements of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safely Act (P&SS Act), a child safety law aimed at making pools and spas safer.  The Act includes a requirement for a national public education campaign designed to raise public awareness, bolster industry compliance, and reduce deaths and injuries in and around pools and spas.

“Drowning prevention and swimming safety is one of CPSC’s highest priorities, especially since the incidents involving children are preventable,” said Inez M. Tenenbaum, Chairman of the CPSC.  “We at CPSC are proud that water parks and aquatic facilities around the country are joining forces with us on Sept. 27 to participate in Pool Safely Day.  I encourage everyone to take simple steps year round in pools, spas, indoor water parks and aquatic facilities – it can save a life.”

CPSC estimates that nearly 300 children younger than five drown in swimming pools and spas each year and more than 3,200 that age go to hospital emergency rooms due to non-fatal submersion injuries.  An unknown number of these hospitalizations result in permanent disability, including brain damage.  These deaths and injuries are preventable and public participation in the campaign can help spread the campaign’s messages to parents and families and help prevent future tragedies.

“When you look at the 1,000 waterparks in the United States – and the approximately 80 million people who visit waterparks each and every year – the safety record is extraordinary,” McGregor said.  “Waterparks continue to provide the absolute safest place for families to play in the water together.

“Statistically, you are far more likely to be injured riding a bicycle or ironing your clothes than you are at a waterpark.  Compared to other recreational aquatic activities, both guarded and unguarded – including community pools, beaches, lakes, etc. – waterparks have the lowest risk of drowning.  As members of the World Waterpark Association (WWA), Wilderness at the Smokies supports any and all industry efforts to enhance the already amazingly safe environment we provide for our guests.”

Wilderness at the Smokies, located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is establishing a new standard for conferences, conventions and meetings in East Tennessee.  With two 18-hole golf courses, two outdoor waterparks, an indoor waterpark with a wave pool and surf rider, hot tubs, and countless waterslides and attractions, Wilderness at the Smokies has something for all age groups.

For more information on the Pool Safely campaign, visit the website at www.poolsafety.gov.  For more information about Wilderness at the Smokies resort, visit www.WildernessAtTheSmokies.com.

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Media Contact
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550
rlaney@ackermannpr.com

Wilderness at the Smokies brings year-round opportunities to conference, convention and meeting planners

Posted by Rick Laney – March 30, 2010

Sevierville, Tenn. – Wilderness at the Smokies resort is changing the way conference, convention and meeting planners view and utilize the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee.  Always popular as a spring, summer and fall destination, the area’s newest resort is drawing year-round events to its 700-acre Sevierville, Tenn. property.

Conveniently located next to the 200,000 square-foot Sevierville Event Center, Wilderness at the Smokies offers 234 mountain modern guest rooms and 472 multi-room suites in addition to condominiums at the Wyndham Resort on the Wilderness property.  Wilderness at the Smokies resort also boasts two outdoor waterparks, a nearly four-acre indoor waterpark and 36-holes of championship golf.

Wilderness at the Smokies Resort

With a 108,000 square-foot exhibit hall, a 19,000 square-foot ballroom, more than 1,600 parking spaces, ten covered loading bays, two nearby airports, and less than a full day’s drive for 75 percent of the U.S. population, the Sevierville Event Center at Wilderness at the Smokies resort is quickly becoming one of the region’s most popular conference, convention and meeting destinations.

Since opening less than two years ago, Wilderness at the Smokies resort has hosted meetings, conferences and conventions ranging from family reunions to major national events like the Phil Waldrep Ministries “Celebrate America” conference in October with keynote speaker former President George W. Bush which was attended by nearly 10,000 people.

“We work hard to make sure the meetings our guests host are fun and easy,” says Dottie Clabough, director of sales for Wilderness at the Smokies. “Our facility offers multiple meeting room options, six executive suites, and if you need more space, we have the Sevierville Events Center, which is connected to our Events Center Hotel.

“When your guests are done with a busy day in the board room, they, along with their families, will welcome the opportunity to kick back and relax in our fabulous waterparks, on Eagle’s Landing championship golf course, or at our restaurants,” says Clabough. “We even have a trolley service available to us that goes to many popular shows and attractions in nearby Pigeon Forge. It is perfect for spouse’s programs or evening activities.

President George W. Bush speaks at Wilderness at the Smokies

“When guests come to our property, they can park their cars and not worry about driving during their stay. Everything they could want or need is all right here.”

Wilderness at the Smokies resort opened in June 2008 with the Stone Hill Lodge and Salamander Springs outdoor waterpark adjacent to the Sevierville Event Center.  Six months later, River Lodge and the Wild WaterDome indoor waterpark were added.  In May 2009, Wilderness at the Smokies expanded again with the addition of Lake Wilderness, the resort’s second outdoor waterpark.  Lake Wilderness features Cataloochee Creek Adventure River, the Wilderness Rapids Wave Pool and poolside cabanas.

Wilderness at the Smokies, located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is establishing a new standard for conferences, conventions and meetings in East Tennessee.  With two 18-hole golf courses, two outdoor waterparks, an indoor waterpark with a wave pool and surf rider, hot tubs, and countless waterslides and attractions, Wilderness at the Smokies has something for all age groups.  For more information about Wilderness at the Smokies, visit www.WildernessAtTheSmokies.com.

Media Contact
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550
rlaney@ackermannpr.com

Southeast’s Largest Indoor and Outdoor Waterpark Opens New Attraction – Runaway Canyon

Posted by Rick Laney – December 8, 2009

Sevierville, Tenn. – Wilderness at the Smokies in East Tennessee, the southeast’s largest indoor and outdoor waterpark resort, opened its newest attraction, Runaway Canyon, last week.  Runaway Canyon is located in the Wild WaterDome indoor waterpark at Wilderness at the Smokies resort.

RunawayCanyonSmallRunaway Canyon is a five-story high enclosed waterslide measuring more than 450-feet and featuring a total drop of almost 60-feet.  Using more than 8,000 gallons of water per minute, Runaway Canyon propels up to four people in rafts through a series of exciting, totally enclosed twists, turns and drops.

Runaway Canyon sends entire families rocketing through winding channels and gargantuan tunnels.  This dark journey has you blasting through water curtains, climbing high onto steeply-banked walls, and leaning into explosive turns, 360-degree loops and pulse-pounding dips.

General Manager David McGregor said Runaway Canyon represents an additional local investment by Wilderness at the Smokies of more than $1 million.

“Our guests are going to love Runaway Canyon,” McGregor said.  “It is an exciting slide for the entire family.  Guests are going to recognize that Wilderness at the Smokies plans to give them something new every time they come to stay with us.”

The name “Runaway Canyon” was selected by fifth grade students at Catlettsburg Elementary School in Sevierville.  With the help of Principal Jerry L. Wear, Wilderness at the Smokies asked students to help them pick the name of the new attraction.  As a reward for selecting the name, fifth graders from Catlettsburg Elementary were among the first people to experience Runaway Canyon when it opened.

Wilderness at the Smokies resort opened in June 2008 with the Stone Hill Lodge and Salamander Springs outdoor waterpark.  Six months later, River Lodge and the 60,000-square-foot Wild WaterDome indoor waterpark were added.  In May 2009, Wilderness at the Smokies expanded again with the addition of Lake Wilderness, the resort’s second outdoor waterpark.  Lake Wilderness features Cataloochee Creek Adventure River, the Wilderness Rapids Wave Pool and a set of poolside cabanas.

Wilderness at the Smokies, located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is establishing a new standard for family vacations to East Tennessee.  With two outdoor waterparks, an indoor waterpark with a wave pool and surf rider, hot tubs, and countless waterslides and attractions, Wilderness at the Smokies has something for all age groups.  For more information about Wilderness at the Smokies, visit www.WildernessAtTheSmokies.com.

Media Contact
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550
rlaney@ackermannpr.com

Former President George W. Bush at Wilderness at the Smokies resort today in Sevierville

Posted by Rick Laney – October 7, 2009

President George W. Bush

President George W. Bush

Sevierville, Tenn. – Former President George W. Bush will speak this evening at Bridgemont, the Sevierville, Tenn. development that includes the Sevierville Events Center and Wilderness at the Smokies resort, during the Phil Waldrep Ministries “Celebrators” conference taking place at the resort this week. 

Bush will meet with guests and conference attendees until shortly before 7 p.m. when he delivers the keynote address for the “Celebrate America” portion of the four-day Christian conference.  More than 8,500 people were signed up for the conference.  Seats for President Bush’s address have been sold out since June.

During his speech, President Bush will speak about faith, freedom and America. 

“We’re thrilled to have the former president here,” said David McGregor, general manager of Wilderness at the Smokies resort.  “It speaks volumes about the level of quality and service we deliver here at Wilderness at the Smokies.  It’s a tremendous honor to be associated with this kind of event.”

Bush spokesman David Sherzer said, “Former President Bush will offer some reflecting from his presidency as well as lessons he learned about leadership and decision making, and he’ll talk about the impact of his faith on his decision to run for the presidency and on his decisions as president.”

Based in Decatur, Ala., Phil Waldrep Ministries was formed in 1980 and hosts numerous conferences for men, women, senior adults, students and pastors, the North Alabama Bible Conference, and other events such as Christian cruises and worldwide mission trips.  According to Waldrep Ministries, the Celebrators conference this week is for “older adults and mature believers.”

In addition to the address from Bush, the conference features a concert by singer Sandi Patty, music from worship leader Charles Billingsley and daily addresses by David Jeremiah.

Wilderness at the Smokies resort is in Sevierville, Tenn. is just minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  For more information, visit www.WildernessAtTheSmokies.com or http://www.philwaldrep.org.

Media Contact
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550
rlaney@ackermannpr.com

Guests invited to jump in the lake at Wilderness

Posted by Rick Laney – August 11, 2009

Sevierville, Tenn. – With summer in full swing and temperatures heating up, guests at Wilderness at the Smokies resort in Sevierville, Tenn. can now navigate the rapids, ride the waves or simply relax in a private poolside cabana – all features of Wilderness at the Smokies’ newest waterpark attraction.  Lake Wilderness, the newest phase of the full-service waterpark resort, is now open to those staying at the resort.

Guests look out from their balcony at one of two outdoor waterparks at Wilderness at the Smokies resort near the Great Smoky Mountains.

Guests look out from their balcony at one of two outdoor waterparks at Wilderness at the Smokies resort near the Great Smoky Mountains.

Wilderness guests can grab a tube and jump in the Lake Wilderness 12,000-square-foot Wave Pool – where waves within the pool can crest as high as five feet.  Also winding around the outdoor waterpark is Cataloochee Creek, a nearly 1,000 foot rapid-moving river with water spray features located along its path.

“We have been extremely pleased with the acceptance and success we have received with the recent opening of the Wild Waterdome Indoor Waterpark, and are excited to further enhance our guests’ experience with the opening of Lake Wilderness,” says David McGregor, general manager of Wilderness at the Smokies “With another exciting attraction now in place, we feel as though we have one of the premier indoor/outdoor waterpark resorts in the country.”

The ten private poolside cabanas situated around Lake Wilderness are available for guests to rent, with each cabana featuring shelter from the sun, cabana-style lounge chairs, a flat panel television and a personal cabana host.  An outdoor bar and grill is also located within the outdoor waterpark to help satisfy those afternoon cravings.

With the opening of the Lake Wilderness Outdoor Waterpark, the Wilderness at the Smokies Resort boasts two outdoor waterparks and the Wild WaterDome Indoor Waterpark, making it the largest resort of its kind in the southeast.

Appropriately named the Wild WaterDome, the indoor waterpark spans more than 60,000 square feet with a see-thru, energy-efficient Texlon™ roof that allows UV rays to permeate the structure so guests can tan indoors year-round. The waterpark is home to the Smokies SurfRider, the state’s only surfing simulator that uses 50,000 gallons of water a minute to create a continuously moving sheet of water on which people can surf or boogie board. “It’s like riding an ocean wave, but indoors,” McGregor said.  “Parents and kids alike will love the thrill of riding a wave in a safe and controlled environment.”

The waterpark also boasts the Storm Chaser, a four-person tube slide that begins with a 58-foot drop into a giant orange-and-white funnel where riders swoosh back and forth up the sides of the funnel, causing shrieks of delight and flip-flopping stomachs. Other activities at the Wild WaterDome, which is reserved exclusively for resort guests, include the Great Wave, a 10,000-square-foot wave pool capable of generating waves up to five feet high. In addition, two tube slides, an indoor/outdoor hot spa, a multi-level play structure with a gigantic dumping bucket and 50-plus play-and-spray features, along with a special toddler area with mini-slides and a swing tree are sure to keep the whole family occupied for hours.

Wilderness at the Smokies, located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated in the scenic foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is establishing a new standard for family vacations to East Tennessee.  Phase I of the resort opened in June 2008 with a 234-room hotel and outdoor waterpark.  The Wild WaterDome Indoor Waterpark opened in December 2008 and the resort has just opened its Lake Wilderness Outdoor Waterpark which features an Adventure River and a 12,000 square foot Wave Pool. 

The developers of Wilderness at the Smokies Resort are the owners of Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort – America’s Largest Waterpark Resort in Wisconsin Dells.  For more information on the resort or for reservations, visit www.wildernessatthesmokies.com or call 1-800-867-WILD (9453). 

Media contact:
Rick Laney, Ackermann PR
865-584-0550
rlaney@ackermannpr.com

Wilderness Names Bridges Director of Marketing

Posted by Ryan Willis – May 28, 2009

Sevierville, Tenn. – After joining the Wilderness at the Smokies team less than a year ago as Group Sales Manager, Kim Bridges has recently been named Director of Marketing for the full-service waterpark resort in Sevierville.

Her new role will include the management and execution of the waterpark resort’s marketing initiatives, including oversight of all advertising and public relations programs.  Bridges also serves as the resort’s official spokesperson. 

Possessing more than 15 years of corporate sales and marketing management experience, prior to joining Wilderness, Bridges was involved in sales/marketing and operations management with attractions in the Pigeon Forge area, including the Dollywood Company and the Smith Theater.

Wilderness at the Smokies, located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated in the scenic foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is establishing a new standard for family vacations to East Tennessee.  Phase I of the resort opened in June 2008 with a 234-room hotel and outdoor waterpark.  The Wild WaterDome Indoor Waterpark opened in December 2008 and the resort has just unveiled its Lake Wilderness Outdoor Waterpark which features an Adventure River and a 10,000 square foot Wave Pool. 

The developers of Wilderness at the Smokies Resort are the owners of Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort – America’s Largest Waterpark Resort in Wisconsin Dells.  For more information on the resort or for reservations, visit www.wildernessatthesmokies.com or call 1-800-867-WILD (9453). 

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Media contact:
Ryan Willis, Ackermann PR
865-584-0550
rwillis@ackermannpr.com

Guests Invited to Jump in the Lake at Wilderness

Posted by Ryan Willis – May 28, 2009

 

Lake Wilderness in Sevierville, TN

Lake Wilderness in Sevierville, TN

Sevierville, Tenn. – As summer approaches and temperatures begin to rise, guests at the Wilderness at the Smokies Resort in Sevierville can now navigate the rapids, ride the waves or simply relax in a private poolside cabana – all features of Wilderness at the Smokies’ newest waterpark attraction.  Lake Wilderness, the newest phase of the full-service waterpark resort, is now open to those staying at the resort.

Wilderness guests can grab a tube and jump in the Lake Wilderness 12,000-square-foot Wave Pool – where waves within the pool can crest as high as five feet.  Also winding around the outdoor waterpark is Cataloochee Creek, a nearly 1,000 foot rapid-moving river with water spray features located along its path.

“We have been extremely pleased with the acceptance and success we have received with the recent opening of the Wild Waterdome Indoor Waterpark, and are excited to further enhance our guests’ experience with the opening of Lake Wilderness,” says David McGregor, general manager of Wilderness at the Smokies “With another exciting attraction now in place, we feel as though we have one of the premier indoor/outdoor waterpark resorts in the country.”

The ten private poolside cabanas situated around Lake Wilderness are available for guests to rent, with each cabana featuring shelter from the sun, cabana-style lounge chairs, a flat panel television and a personal cabana host.  An outdoor bar and grill is also located within the outdoor waterpark to help satisfy those afternoon cravings.

With the opening of the Lake Wilderness Outdoor Waterpark, the Wilderness at the Smokies Resort boasts two outdoor waterparks and the 60,000 sq. ft. Wild WaterDome Indoor Waterpark, making it the largest resort of its kind in the southeast.

Wilderness at the Smokies, located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated in the scenic foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is establishing a new standard for family vacations to East Tennessee.  Phase I of the resort opened in June 2008 with a 234-room hotel and outdoor waterpark.  The Wild WaterDome Indoor Waterpark opened in December 2008 and the resort has just unveiled its Lake Wilderness Outdoor Waterpark which features an Adventure River and a 12,000 square foot Wave Pool. 

The developers of Wilderness at the Smokies Resort are the owners of Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort – America’s Largest Waterpark Resort in Wisconsin Dells.  For more information on the resort or for reservations, visit www.wildernessatthesmokies.com or call 1-800-867-WILD (9453). 

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Media contact:      
Ryan Willis, Ackermann PR
865-584-0550
rwillis@ackermannpr.com