Raging Waves Waterpark an American dream come true

Yorkville, Ill.—In 1989, Randy Witt began dreaming about his ideal job. For nearly twenty years, he pursued his dream of owning a waterpark. He studied dozens of successful waterparks nationwide, taking notes, planning, watching, and talking to park owners and managers. Family vacations were centered on the next waterpark visit.

After two decades of research and planning, Witt and business partner Scott Melby opened Raging Waves in Yorkville, Ill. Sitting on 45 acres, the waterpark is the largest in Illinois, rivaling Gurnee’s Six Flags Hurricane Harbor and Rockford’s Magic Waters. Witt projects nearly 3,000 visitors—from Illinois and surrounding states—per day during the 2009 season.

With 18 waterslides, a wave pool, multiple family play areas, and a lazy river, Raging Waves is a family-friendly environment. “In a society where families are constantly being pulled apart by multiple commitments and societal expectations, we wanted to build a place where families could come together and enjoy a time of reconnecting. Every decision we make is based on that goal; because of that, we offer free parking, concessions are affordable, and 90% of our rides are for multiple people,” states Witt.

The waterpark opened in June 2008; May 30, 2009, kicks off Raging Waves’ first full season. “Randy’s hard work and passion for a clean, family-focused waterpark has paid off. We look forward to a good year at Raging Waves,” says Melby.