Harlan Bryant
District Engineer
Water World/Hyland Hills Park & Recreation District
Federal Heights, Colorado - USA
Featured in "World Waterpark Magazine," January 2017
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I have a B.S. in architectural engineering from the University of Colorado. Before I came to work for Hyland Hills, I worked as a consulting engineer in the ski lift industry.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I am a professional engineer.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
I have been the project manager on several projects that have won state and national awards including: the 2016 Leading Edge Award from the World Waterpark Association for “Cowabunga Beach” and the 2014 Publisher’s Pick, Golden Ticket Award from “Amusement Today” for “Voyage to the Center of the Earth” and “Lost River of the Pharaohs” renovations.
WHAT MADE YOU GO IN TO THIS FIELD?
It’s great to see families having a wonderful time on the finished projects we get to work on. I’m always amazed how many times I hear about a family that has spent their vacation traveling the Rocky Mountains and then spent a day at the end of the trip at Water World. More likely than not the kid’s favorite day of the whole trip was coming to Water World.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
The people in this industry are awesome. I challenge you to find a better industry.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
Jim Fletcher, the first engineer I worked under, taught me to have confidence in myself, and Greg Mastriona, a WWA Hall of Fame inductee, helped me to develop vision of the bigger picture.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK
CAREER?
I enjoy my work so much and I take my projects so personally, I can have a hard time keeping a balanced life. Sometimes, it’s important to turn off the computer and play a game of soccer with my kids.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
I participate on the ASTM F24, ASTM F15, CMAHC and the WWA Safety Committees. Not only do these committees keep me on the leading edge of the industry, I also enjoy the relationships I develop through these committees.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Remember that everyday your waterpark is open is the best day of the year for some of your visitors. Also, get involved in the industry and come to events like the World Waterpark Association Show. Take the time to meet people outside of your click. There is always something to learn.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
I’m always looking for better solutions. I review trade magazines, go to trade shows, visit other parks and listen to the ideas our employees have. You never know where the next revelation will come from.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
I really enjoy working on a project from initial concept through construction and following it for several years to make sure it’s operating the way everyone expected.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
I’ve had a pretty good career, so it’s tough to think about a different direction, but maybe I would be a veterinarian. I’ve raised 2 puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
One of the first things I did after coming into the waterpark industry was to take one of the full day seminars at the 2010 Symposium & Trade Show in San Antonio, Texas.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I love to be out in the mountains. If anyone wants to come out to Colorado and ski or mountain bike, look me up.