The water park construction industry in the U.S. focuses on building and designing thrilling aquatic attractions. It features companies that range from specialized construction firms and architecture studios to large management firms involved in financing and operating those facilities. With growing consumer interest in leisure activities, and a focus on eco-friendly and sustainable design practices, the industry is evolving. New technologies, such as wave machines and advanced water filtration systems, are enhancing the visitor experience. As communities seek family-friendly entertainment, investments in water parks continue to surge, promising a vibrant future for this sector.


The featured investors span prominent private equity firms and corporate entities, primarily based in major U.S. cities like New York and Atlanta. Each firm varies in size, with headcounts ranging from a few hundred to several thousand employees. Established between 1976 and 2005, these seasoned investors have engaged in numerous deals, showcased by 2024's impressive counts. Noteworthy for their influence in leisure investment, firms like Blackstone and KKR are driving growth in the water park construction arena.


Top 7 Water Park Construction Investors in the US


1. Blackstone

  • Website: blackstone.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: blackstonegroup

Blackstone Inc. is a leading investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments across various sectors, including private equity, real estate, and credit solutions. Founded in 1985, Blackstone has built a reputation for its strategic investments aimed at creating lasting value. Notably, Blackstone has made significant acquisitions in the leisure and hospitality sector, including a 65% controlling interest in Great Wolf Resorts, a prominent operator of indoor water parks and resorts, for $2.9 billion in 2019. This acquisition reflects Blackstone's confidence in the growth potential of water-based attractions. Additionally, their acquisition of United Parks & Resorts for $2.9 billion in 2009 further emphasizes their commitment to the theme park and resort industry. These transactions highlight Blackstone's active role in the water park construction and operation space, making them a relevant player in this market.


2. Kkr

  • Website: kkr.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: kkr

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR has built a reputation for providing asset management solutions to institutional investors and individual clients. The firm operates globally, leveraging its extensive expertise to navigate complex investment landscapes. Notably, KKR has made significant investments in the leisure sector, including the acquisition of Landal GreenParks and Roompot Group, both of which focus on holiday parks in Europe. These investments indicate KKR's interest in recreational facilities, which could extend to water parks, given the growing demand for leisure activities. KKR's strategic approach and financial strength position it as a potential investor in water park construction projects.


3. Apollo Global Management, Inc.

  • Website: apollo.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1990
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 46
  • LinkedIn: apollo-global-management-inc

Apollo Global Management, Inc. is an asset management firm founded in 1990, based in New York, specializing in alternative assets and retirement solutions. The firm manages a diverse portfolio across credit, private equity, and real assets, catering to institutional investors, corporations, and individual clients. Notably, Apollo has made significant investments in the hospitality and leisure sectors, including the acquisition of Great Wolf Resorts for approximately $157 million in 2012, which operates a chain of indoor water parks. This acquisition highlights Apollo's strategic interest in the water park industry. Additionally, their involvement in various real estate transactions, such as the acquisition of real estate investment manager Bridge, further demonstrates their active participation in sectors that may intersect with water park construction and development.


4. Advent


Advent International Corporation is a private equity firm founded in 1984, based in Boston, Massachusetts. The firm specializes in buyouts and investments across a diverse range of sectors, providing capital and strategic guidance to help companies achieve growth. Advent operates globally, focusing on long-term value creation for its portfolio companies. Notably, Advent acquired Parques Reunidos in 2003, a significant player in the amusement and water park industry, which showcases their capability and interest in this sector. Additionally, their investment in Brazil's Cataratas do Iguacu highlights their engagement in tourism-related ventures, further aligning with the water park construction context. Advent's diverse investment portfolio and strategic approach position them as a potential investor in water park construction projects.


5. Centerbridge Partners, L.P.

  • Website: centerbridge.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: centerbridge-partners

Centerbridge Partners, L.P. is a private equity investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, private credit, and real estate. Founded in 2005, the firm manages over $32 billion in assets and focuses on leveraged buyouts and distressed securities. Centerbridge serves institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals, providing expertise in navigating complex financial markets to achieve investment objectives. Notably, Centerbridge acquired Great Wolf Resorts for $1.35 billion in 2015, a significant player in the indoor water park industry, indicating their active role in the water park sector. Additionally, their investments in Suntex Marinas and Westrec Marina demonstrate a broader interest in leisure and hospitality, which complements their potential involvement in water park construction and development.


6. Oldcastle Infrastructure


Oldcastle Infrastructure, a corporate investor based in Atlanta, Georgia, is a subsidiary of CRH and has been operational since 1978. The company specializes in engineered building solutions and offers a diverse range of products for various sectors, including water management, transportation, energy, and communications. In recent years, Oldcastle has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its presence in the water infrastructure market. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Torrent Resources Inc., a stormwater solutions provider, and Granite Precasting & Concrete, which focuses on water management and utility solutions. These acquisitions reflect Oldcastle's commitment to enhancing its capabilities in water management, making it a significant player in the infrastructure sector relevant to water park construction.


7. DXP Enterprises, Inc.

  • Website: dxpe.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1908
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: dxp-enterprises-inc-

DXP Enterprises, Inc. is a corporate investor based in Houston, Texas, specializing in industrial distribution across various sectors, including manufacturing, oil and gas, and renewable energy. Founded in 1908, the company has a workforce of 1001-5000 employees and has been actively expanding its portfolio through strategic acquisitions. In 2024, DXP completed the acquisition of Hartwell Environmental Corporation, a manufacturer’s representative focused on the water and wastewater industry, which reported sales of approximately $18.4 million. This acquisition aligns with DXP's strategy to enhance its capabilities in water-related services. Additionally, in May 2023, DXP acquired Riordan Materials Corporation and Florida Valve & Equipment Corp., further strengthening its position in the water treatment market. These transactions highlight DXP's commitment to sectors that are integral to water park construction, making them a relevant investor in this field.



Water Park Construction Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
BlackstoneNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000198557
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
Apollo Global Management, Inc.New York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000199046
AdventBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)501-1000198417
Centerbridge Partners, L.P.New York, New York, United States (USA)201-50020055
Oldcastle InfrastructureAtlanta, Georgia, United States (USA)1001-500019781
DXP Enterprises, Inc.Houston, Texas, United States (USA)1001-500019086


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