Splash zone

Overview: The largest indoor waterpark in New York state aswell as 324 rooms in an adjoining all-suite resort feature MAPEI tile/stone installation and waterproofing products throughout. That’s because one man followed his instincts and followed up a phone call with an in-person visit. The story of MAPEI’s intervention at the Kartrite Resort proves that persistence pays off.

In New York’s Catskill Mountains, an area known for resorts, the Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark is unique. In fact, the Kartrite is unique in the world of resorts in general. Not only is it the largest indoor waterpark in the state of New York, it is one of the largest in the world. According to the resort’s Website, the 80,000-squarefoot (7 432 m²) waterpark features 11 water attractions that have 318,000 gallons (1 203 761 L) of water running through them. Even in the dead of winter, the waterpark is always a balmy 84°F (29°C) thanks to a transparent Texlon roof that allows sunlight to filter in and keeps comfortable heat in as well.

The fun at this state-of-the-art waterpark is included for guests of the Kartrite Resort, the luxury hotel/spa that is attached to the indoor waterpark. The all-suite hotel features 324 rooms with all of the expected high-tech conveniences. The hotel also features a spa, restaurants, shops and a fitness center designed to help fill a weekend or an entire vacation with adventure. And the resort and the waterpark both feature MAPEI products. The story behind MAPEI’s inclusion in the specification highlights the importance of perseverance and trusting your instincts.

MAPEI products on the jobsite
As MAPEI sales representative Darin Shocker relates, prior to coming to MAPEI, he used to install tile. “One day, I received a call about a large job asking if I was interested in installing some tile on a 100K-square-foot [9 290 m²] project,” he said. “I explained that I wasn’t installing anymore. And that was that. But the project still was on my mind. I thought that I should go and see if maybe it could be an opportunity for MAPEI. When I arrived at the jobsite trailer, it turned out that MAPEI wasn’t even on the specification. Since I was new to the company, I contacted my supervisor, Matt Hess, Sales Director – Northeast Area. We were able to get equal representation on the spec. From that point, BK Tile & Stone, the project’s installing contractor, began using MAPEI products on the project.”

Shocker continued, “They began by using MAPEI products in the hotel bathrooms and foyers. At this point, BK primarily used another manufacturer’s products in their installations. But, when they began to use our products on this job, we began to gain their trust. They proceeded to use MAPEI products in all areas of the hotel until eventually this job was 100% MAPEI systems throughout both the hotel and the waterpark.”