"Waterpark After Dark" Makes Big Splash for Big Brothers Big Sisters

On Saturday, June 11, Great Wolf Lodge locations across the nation hosted the second annual Waterslide-a- Thon and “Waterpark after Dark.” We attended the event at the Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound.

Throughout the day, Great Wolf Lodge donated $1 to Big Brothers Big Sisters for every trip down a designated slide at each location. After the water park section of the lodge closed at the usual time, they reopened to the public for "Waterpark After Dark” from 9:30 p.m. to midnight. The tickets were pre sold for $20 per person, or $10 for guests already staying at the lodge, with all proceeds going to the Big Brothers Big Sisters. 

We have been there several times as guests in the hotel. Normally this is the only way to get into the indoor water park so we jumped at the chance to have a fun and unusual evening. I’ve never been to a fund raiser quite like this! 

They had a DJ playing upbeat dance music although the sound system left much to be desired. But it did provide entertainment for us to try to “name that tune” through the cacophony of thudding bass and roaring background noise.

One of the big slides, The Howling Tornado, was almost entirely in the dark and I thought it was the highlight of the night. It’s requires two to four people riding on a large yellow tube while hanging onto the handles for dear life. It is so much scarier (and more fun!) than during the day. 

You start by going through the pitch black initial series of tubes which take huge drops that you can’t see coming. You are then spit out into a dimly lit cavernous room where you slide up and down the walls, making your way to the exit. I could hardly talk above a whisper the next day from all my screaming. And from having to shout all night at the person standing right next to me to be heard over the “music” playing.

I am not a water park aficionado, but I have been to a few and know people who have been to more than a few. The Great Wolf Lodge parks are clean and well maintained. I would put them and the Disney water parks at the top for the best all around experience. The staff is friendly and helpful. The lifeguards on duty are plentiful and hyper vigilant. There were plenty of deck chairs and tables to go around, a departure from most water parks I have been to!

Last year the event raised $124,000 and this year goal was set at a lofty $250,000. I haven’t heard yet if that mark was met, but I certainly hope so. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a wonderful organization and Great Wolf Lodge should be commended for their efforts in raising money to support their work.