Member Spotlight

Alon Shatil

General Manager/Partner
East Park London
London, Ontario - Canada

Featured in "World Waterpark Magazine," December 2018

WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE? 

I have an honors bachelor’s degree in urban development. Previously, I worked as a lifeguard and commercial pool maintenance person. 

WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE? 
I am a TSSA Licensed Mechanic and a Certified Pool Operator. I also hold a Certificate of Small Engine Repair. 

WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED? 
My facility received the London Chamber of Commerce Medium Business of the year in 2011. 

WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD? 
It was pure luck that I ended up working in this industry. 

WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST? 
I honestly like all of the work I do within my park. 

WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER? 
My business partners are an inspiration to me. 

WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER? 
Like so many operators across Canada and the rest of the world, I would have to say that staffing remains the biggest challenge that I face in my facility. Also, my waterpark added a new wave pool for the 2018 season, which came out really well but presented all the usual challenges that you’d expect from adding such a big, new attraction. 

HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED? 
I find it motivating to watch the smiles on people’s faces as they enjoy the park. It’s very rewarded to know that we make people happy when they visit East Park. 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY? 
Be there because you love it. There are far easier ways to make a living but not so many that are as rewarding from a satisfaction point of view. 

WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION? 
I enjoy reading the publications produced by the World Waterpark Association, the National Golf Course Owners Association (Canada) and IAAPA, among others. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? 
I like that no two days are the same. There are always fresh ideas to try in my facility—in marketing and training and other areas. 

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA? 
I attended my first symposium in Fort Lauderdale in 1998 and was impressed with the educational programs and the time I spent with other operators at the symposium. Currently, I am the chair of the WWA’s Canadian Waterpark Committee—a role in which I have served for 5 years.