Member Spotlight


Kirsty Wheeler

Recreation Coordinator
DryTown Water Park, City of Palmdale
Palmdale, California - USA

Featured in World Waterpark Magazine,  June 2020

WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE? 
I got my B.A. in health and exercise science from Colorado State University. My professional experience grew as I ventured off to working full time in parks and recreation in Colorado. From there, I went to working on U.S. Air Force bas- es such as Edwards AFB and MacDill AFB as a health and wellness coordinator, before finding my place here at the City of Palmdale’s DryTown Water Park. 

WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE? 
I am certified in CPR/First Aid and I am working toward my AFO certification.  

WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED? 
I was recognized as a values champion for the City of Palmdale and I am currently an active member on the WWA’s Public Sector Committee. 

WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD? 
During my time working in recreation in Colorado, I fell in love with the culture and the aquatics staff that eventually led me to pursue a position here at DryTown Water Park. I love the rush and adrenaline in the day-to-day operations, working with the staff and the art of problem-solving. 
 
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST? 
I love how the waterpark industry is always changing and evolving. It makes for an exciting career where there is no short supply of creative thinking.  

WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER? 
Chief Warye at MacDill AFB taught me lessons in servant leadership. He taught me the importance of taking care of the team and investing in those around you. He coined me before I left that position and I have that coin on my desk as a reminder of all of the wisdom he shared.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER? 
I would have to say the most challenging part has been learning the processes that come with operating a waterpark. It brings about its own set of challenges, for example, cost recovery and creating new guest experiences. Yet, it is equally as fun to divide and conquer those challenges and make the magic happen 

HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED? 
I am a very self-motivated individual. I have an itch to always do better and learn, but a huge component on staying motivated is being able to give back and support my staff and my team. I ask myself: what can I do better to provide, serve and help them become successful in their roles?  

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY? 
Come on in! My advice would be to be adaptable, be open to new ideas and feedback and have fun!  

WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION? 
John Wooden and Simon Sinek are two authors/podcasts I look to for inspiration. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? 
My favorite part of the job is working with our staff. I LOVE our staff members. I get to know them and become very invested in their growth and experience at DryTown Water Park.  

WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN? 
If I were starting all over again, I would still venture into the waterpark industry with my only regret that I did not find it sooner! 

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA? 
I was very fortunate to take on my role as a recreation coordinator under the wings of Eric Dombrowski and our new Waterpark Manager, Tim Miller, who personally encouraged my participation in the WWA. I am forever thankful for their direction and encouragement to do so as participating in this organization has been very informative and influential. 

WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS? 
I was born and raised in a small village in the countryside of England, UK before moving to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida when I was 11. I have since lost the accent except on some special occasions when a word or two slips out.