Istralandia Waterpark Opens in Croatia

In most countries around the world, waterpark fans need not travel far to find an oasis of aquatic fun and adventure. As their popularity has grown, so has the number of waterparks around the globe. But a few pockets of the world still exist where no waterparks are available for summer recreation. So when a waterpark finally opens in one of these barren locales, the public is exuberant with expectation and eagerness.

Such was the case in Croatia when that country''s first-ever waterpark opened in June. The Istralandia Aquapark has drawn crowds from far and wide as those who have never experienced the thrilling splash of a zip down a waterslide have travelled to the city of Istria. Owned by the construction firm Istrakop Ltd., a Poreč, Croatia-based company, the ground-breaking waterpark is located about an hour''s drive north of the city of Pula, near Brtonigla and Novigrad. It covers more than 8.1 hectares (20 acres) and exclusively features the award-winning waterslides of Polin Waterparks.

Bringing new opportunities, employment and adventures

Istrakop spent €10 million (US$13.13 million) to build Istralandia and installed more than 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) of pipe beneath the park''s extensive grounds to supply the water that feeds such attractions as the park''s 27-meter-high (88.6-feet-high) waterslide and 2,500-square-meter (26,910-square-foot) wave pool, the largest in the Mediterranean. The pool creates 1-meter-high (3.2-feet-high) waves large enough for surfing. The facility pulls its water from local groundwater wells and recycles 90 percent of it. The additional 10 percent goes through a biological purifier.

Entertainment in and out of the water

Istralandia offers a wide variety of entertainment options. Foam parties, dancing, cycling, diving and synchronized swimming provide fitness opportunities in the water, while Latin American dance classes, bowling, badminton and beach volleyball allow guests to get some exercise on land. Plus, the park offers the entertainment of magic shows and concerts at an amphitheatre that seats 500.But the aspects that intrigue guests the most - and keep them returning again and again - are the water rides. Specifically, guests can experience waterslides designed by waterslide manufacturer