Charleston County Waterparks

Project Type:
Community Recreation
Location:
Charleston, South Carolina

Whirlin' Waters Adventure Waterpark is the latest addition to the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission's aquatic program. Whirlin' Waters symbolizes what aquatic recreation has become for the public sector. The process for developing Whirlin' Waters began with the development of two very successful aquatic facilities by the Commission: Splash Zone at James Island and Splash Island at Palmetto Island County Parks. The success of these venues, combined with the strong demand for aquatic recreation in the Charleston market, necessitated the development of Whirlin' Waters, the Regional Family Aquatic Center.

As with its predecessors, Whirlin' Waters overcame many environmental factors during the design to seamlessly and completely integrate with the existing landscape. Specifically, the preservation of wetlands and established vegetation was of critical concern to the design team. The result is a spectacular 25-acre facility that emerges from its surroundings like a lost oasis.

A large, picturesque mural graces the wall of the wave pool, Big Kahuna, while tiled porpoises, exotic fish and scuba divers keep pace with the waves underneath. The vibrant architecture of the support buildings––including administrative offices, concessions, changing facilities and restrooms––enhance the overall theme of the facility. Themed signage helps guests navigate through the park while vibrant and vivid activities provide hours of fun for guests of all ages.

Project Highlights
  • Amenities at Whirlin' Waters Adventure Waterpark: 27,000-square-foot wave pool, 20,300-square-foot lazy river, 5,900-square-foot children's activity pool, 2,500-square-foot plunge pool, 8-story, 347 LF mat racer slide with 6 lanes, 2 enclosed body slides, 1 tube slide, 380-square-foot toddler play area with interactive water features, Water curtains, water guns and geysers, Fusion Oscillating Bowl tube slide and Wall ride
  • Amenities at James Island Splash Zone: 9,085-square-foot leisure pool, 7,257-square-foot activity pool, 1,212-square-foot plunge pool, 664 LF lazy river, Enclosed tube slide, Open tube slide, SCS Caribbean family attraction, Floor geysers, Wall spray, waterfall and air rapids
  • Amenities at Splash Island at Palmetto Island: 6,618-square-foot leisure pool, 4,033-square-foot activity pool, Body flume slide, SCS arch jet, SCS bar jet, SCS pools & falls, Raindrop Shipwreck kiddie slide, Otter Slide, geysers and funbrellas
Awards

Architectural Showcase, Athletic Business, June 1995

Architectural Showcase, Athletic Business, June 1996

Executive Board Award for Special Accomplishment in the Water Leisure Industry, World Waterpark Association, 2001

Architectural Showcase, Athletic Business, June 2002

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