Typhoon Texas In Pflugerville Earns Top Industry Honors

PFLUGERVILLE, TX — Typhoon Texas, which operates waterparks in Pflugerville and Katy, Texas, was recently recognized with three of the waterpark industry’s most prestigious national awards for excellence in safety, leadership and innovation by the World Waterpark Association, officials said.

“Typhoon Texas just completed it’s first summer season here in Pflugerville, and after a successful year with great attendance, we couldn’t be more proud that Typhoon Texas was awarded by the World Waterpark Association," Pflugerville Community Development Corporation Executive Director Amy Madison. "We have already seen how Typhoon Texas demonstrates safety, leadership and innovation in Pflugerville, so it is great to hear that the World Waterpark Association recognizes it as well!”

The awards were presented Oct. 16-19 at the association’s annual symposium and trade show in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Typhoon Texas Director of Operations Vera Solis was presented the Kelly Ogle Safety Award for her contributions to guest and employee safety. A 30-year veteran in water safety, Solis trains and manages more than 250 lifeguards at Typhoon Texas, presenting the importance of scanning, water rescue, customer service, CPR and first aid, officials said.

“Being recognized by the World Waterpark Association with any award is an honor, but it is the greatest compliment to be recognized for excellence in safety," said Typhoon Texas Austin General Manager Ty Weitzel.

Typhoon Texas also received the association’s Executive Board Award for its innovative approach to employee training and recognition. Operations Coordinator Sura Omar won the Chris Stuart Emerging Leaders Scholarship presented to a non-managerial worker under age 35 with fewer than five years working in the water leisure industry. The scholarship allowed Omar, considered a rising star in the industry, to attend the World Waterpark Association convention at little or no cost.

“From Day One, we set out to create a clean, safe, family-friendly entertainment destination based on a culture of excellence,” Typhoon Texas Katy General Manager Evan Barnett said. “It’s certainly gratifying to be recognized for these efforts by the leaders in our industry.”

Pflugerville Community Development Corp. officials engaged Typhoon Texas to become the new operators of the Pflugerville waterpark, and a contract was signed in January 2017. After investing millions to renovate the park and add new attractions, significant shade, fresh food outlets, a stage for live music and a new retail store, Typhoon Texas opened on time in May 2017 and enjoyed a successful first summer season, according to PCDC officials.

Season passes for Typhoon Texas’ 2018 season are now on sale TyphoonTexas.com. For the latest updates, go to TyphoonTexas.com. Also follow Typhoon Texas at facebook.com/typhoontexas and on Twitter and Instagram @TyphoonTexas.

>>> Courtesy photo: Typhoon Texas co-owner Terry Hlavinka, Organizational Culture Director Shawn Welch, Typhoon Texas Austin General Manager Ty Weitzel, Typhoon Texas Katy General Manager Evan Barnett, and Operations Director Vera Solis hold awards for excellence in safety, leadership and innovation at the World Waterpark Association annual symposium and trade show Oct. 16-19 in West Palm Beach, Florida.