FlowRider debuts in North Dakota’s Largest Rec Center!
WILLISTON, ND – More than 2,500 people checked out the new Williston Area Recreation Center on March 28th – home of the newest member to the FlowRider family of surfing machines. From families with small children to oilfield workers still in their coveralls, the crowd that gathered on indoor tennis courts for an opening ceremony got louder and louder as speeches continued, reflecting the community’s eagerness for more recreation opportunities.
Many said they were overwhelmed as they took in the new facility, which is not only big, but features small details that add to the wow factor. Some in attendance scrambled to try out the golf simulator or get in line for the FlowRider wave machine, while others took time to tour each feature of the 236,000-square-foot center.
When we asked Kelsie Ganyo the rec center’s marketing coordinator why Williston wanted a FlowRider she explained, “We conducted a survey and realized we were lacking in the amenities we offered our teenage demographic. We figured this would be an item that would excite them, plus there is nothing like this available for miles and miles!”
“I haven’t seen this many happy people in this community in five years,” said Larry Grondahl, former Williston Park Board president.
The $76 million facility, located on the campus of Williston State College, is the largest park district-owned indoor recreation center in the country. “What a fantastic place you have,” said Gov. Jack Dalrymple, who spoke during the grand opening. “I’m not sure across the state if people really realize what you’ve done here.”
2012 Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky swam the ceremonial first lap in the Olympic-sized pool. The E.J. Hagan, MD Natatorium is named after Ledecky’s grandfather, the late Edward Hagan, whose legacy in Williston includes pushing for the construction of the city’s first indoor pool in 1967.
We are certainly stoked for the community and the local students that will have the chance to catch a wave everyday!!
