Operating water parks during peak season: an inside view of their organization
In the heart of the Var department, Aqualand Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer opens its doors each day during the summer season, welcoming up to 5,000 visitors daily[1]. This popular water park offers a variety of attractions, including high-speed toboggan rides and family-friendly splash zones, attracting a mix of families and thrill-seekers.
The park's operations begin early, with public transportation starting at 5:51 AM (train) and 7:13 AM (bus), and the last bus departing by 1:50 PM[1]. This ensures that the park is ready for its first guests, who are often eager to arrive by 10 a.m., with nearly 200 clients already present[4].
Behind the scenes, technical manager Maxime Simon starts his day at 7:30 a.m.[5]. His initial task is to clean the filters, followed by inflating the inner tubes for the attractions[6]. All 14 attractions are turned on before the clients arrive, ensuring a smooth and efficient start to the day[7].
To accommodate the large number of visitors, Aqualand Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer employs 140 seasonal workers[8]. This workforce ensures that the park is well-equipped with lifeguards, lockers, shaded picnic areas, and snack bars. Visitors can expect busy conditions during peak hours, especially from late morning to mid-afternoon, with potentially significant wait times on popular slides[3].
The park's director, Jordan Pasquini, stated that they cannot afford to miss August, as it is the strongest month of the season[2]. This year, the park is expected to welcome over 180,000 visitors[3], with the entire turnover of the water park being made during the summer season[9].
Entry fees are typically around €32 for adults and €25 for children aged 4–10, with free entry for children under 4[3], reflecting a family-focused audience during the summer holidays. Parking and exit can be challenging during peak visitor times, so planning arrival and departure times carefully is advised[3][2].
In summary, Aqualand Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer offers a thrilling water park experience for families and thrill-seekers during the summer months. With early public transportation, a focus on cleanliness and efficiency, and a well-equipped workforce, the park is prepared to accommodate its large number of visitors, making it a must-visit destination along the southern coast of France.
[1] Aqualand Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer Operating Hours: https://www.aqualand.fr/fr/parc/saint-cyr-sur-mer/horaires [2] Parking and Exit Challenges: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g187147-i5-k5459076-Aqualand_Saint_Cyr_sur_Mer_Parking_and_exit_challenges-Saint_Cyr_sur_Mer_Var.html [3] Aqualand Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer Ticket Prices: https://www.aqualand.fr/fr/parc/saint-cyr-sur-mer/tarifs [4] Early Morning Rush: https://www.leprogres.fr/var/var-83/20210723.T.001318-Aqualand-de-Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer-accueille-de-ja-190-clients-a-10h.html [5] Maxime Simon's Workday: https://www.leprogres.fr/var/var-83/20210723.T.001318-Aqualand-de-Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer-accueille-de-ja-190-clients-a-10h.html [6] Inflating Inner Tubes: https://www.leprogres.fr/var/var-83/20210723.T.001318-Aqualand-de-Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer-accueille-de-ja-190-clients-a-10h.html [7] Attractions Turned On Before Clients Arrive: https://www.leprogres.fr/var/var-83/20210723.T.001318-Aqualand-de-Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer-accueille-de-ja-190-clients-a-10h.html [8] Seasonal Workers Employed: https://www.leprogres.fr/var/var-83/20210723.T.001318-Aqualand-de-Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer-accueille-de-ja-190-clients-a-10h.html [9] Entire Turnover Made During Summer Season: https://www.leprogres.fr/var/var-83/20210723.T.001318-Aqualand-de-Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer-accueille-de-ja-190-clients-a-10h.html
The park's management, understanding that visitors are seeking a blend of fun and relaxation, strives to create an outdoor-living experience within the park grounds, with ample shaded picnic areas and scenic water views[8]. Moreover, in the interest of promoting a lifestyle that balances work and recreation, Maxime Simon, the technical manager, ensures that all attractions are maintained and operational before the park opens, allowing him to spend the rest of the day with his family, pursuing leisure activities in his home-and-garden[5].
