Hannah Ballstaedt
Lagoon A Beach & Frightmares Operations Manager
Lagoon Amusement Park
Farmington, Utah - U.S.A.
Featured in World Waterpark Magazine, April 2026
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I have an Associate of Science in Communication Studies and would someday love to return to earn a Bachelor level degree. Before my career in aquatics, I worked as an Operations Manager in Lagoon’s Rides Department. In total, I spent 10 years there – 8 of them spent in a leadership role – until moving to the waterpark in the spring of 2025.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I have a Certified Pool Operator certification and I’m a SGE Instructor.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
I received Lagoon’s “Coaster Culture Excellence in Leadership Award” in 2019 in recognition of outstanding achievements and contributions in Lagoon’s values of Safety, Service, Pride, and Teamwork.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
Prior to now, I expected I’d work in the Rides department until the end of time. A spot opened to run the waterpark and Frightmares, and I figured it would be a good opportunity, so I applied, and the rest is history!
Note: Frightmares is Lagoon’s haunted attraction promotion for the fall season. When the waterpark closes, my team and I stay on to manage the safety of the attractions and the scare actors. It’s a fun time of the year.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
The waterpark industry has been very surprising. There is a strong culture of accountability, making it near seamless to maintain a culture of safety and teamwork. The lifeguards are excellent and always ready to take on more challenges to further their training. It is always a delight to come into the office during check-in hours as the guards greet me with enthusiasm. They make me feel like I have a fan club! But this kindness is not just local to Lagoon A Beach; it is industry wide.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
My go-to calls when I need advice are Jimmy Sunlight & Andre Meacham! Jimmy is a great example of leadership and kindness, and Andre knows the answer to any question I could throw at him. Without them, I would not be as successful as I am today.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
Staying focused is my second full time job! All jokes of course, but I do have some rituals that help me maintain it. An early bedtime is the largest component, alongside playing those Bridgerton music covers of pop songs while I work.
About staying motivated, I really like my job so generating momentum comes naturally. (Hoping it stays that way forever!)
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Advice I’d give to someone interested in working in the waterpark industry would be to stay patient! In my experience, people are happy in their positions so there is little turnover. If you truly love it, stick around and the opportunity will eventually come.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
I’m a big fan of Adam Grant. He’s an organizational psychologist and professor at The Wharton School. He’s written several books; one of which I’m currently reading titled “Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know”. If you don’t have the time to read his books, his Instagram profile is a good substitute! @adamgrant
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
My favorite part of my job is working with the youth. It’s my greatest honor to be a part of their lives and watch them grow professionally.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
If I had to start all over, I would own a fabric store.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
I first got involved in the WWA by becoming the waterpark manager for Lagoon. I recently attended my first WWA show last year, and it was super fun to get to know the people in the industry.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I have a fraternal twin sister – we look NOTHING alike. Back in high school, we’d prank people by saying we were cousins. It was more believable than the truth! •