Penn State School of Visual Arts senior Andrew Reiff is the 2014 recipient of the PGAV Destinations Spot Experiential Scholarship for his design of a waterpark. The first-of-its-kind scholarship was launched in spring 2013 and challenges U.S. college students to design a destination based upon one of seven unique environmental concepts, from a solar-powered research station in the Antarctic to a new home for Anheuser-Busch’s Clydesdales. Winners receive an all-expenses paid trip to an attraction designed by PGAV Destinations, a leader in designing and developing theme parks, aquariums and other unique destinations.
Reiff’s submission envisioned an immersive waterpark called “Appalachian Creeks.” In his narrative, Andrew described a town founded by visionaries to bring fresh water to those without access that was eventually converted into an engaging waterpark attraction. His multiple renderings depicted individual rides, park layouts and a sophisticated demonstration of the kind of thinking that goes into exceptional destination design. His focus was bridging the gap between spectators and the participating riders.