NOVA Parks News
THROWBACK THURSDAY—NOVA PARKS--AQUARAMA
NOVA Parks has been known throughout the years for many things. One thing that continues is we are a risk-taking innovator.
Today, we throw back to the year 1982, when gas cost .98 cents a gallon and the first issue of USA Today was published. This was the year Pohick Bay Regional Park celebrated its 10th anniversary-- and what better way to do it than with a big party? And it would be called “The Aquarama.”
The idea was bold; organize a giant spectacle at the park, which would highlight water access and water activities offered at the park. Those in charge knew just what to do to make the day the best it could be, and that was to put the best thing possible on the water at Pohick Bay Regional Park.
Summertime would be the time, Pohick Bay would be the place, and one of the biggest attractions in Florida would be moved to Northern Virginia to be the entertainment. The Cypress Gardens Water Ski Show, in all its glory, would headline a two-day event at the park.
On June 26 and 27, 1982, curious and wide-eyed guests witnessed a day filled with powerful water craft of all shapes and sizes, dual and single ski water skiers, ski jumpers, boat jumpers, water tricksters, human pyramids, and even people skiing with just their feet. All of this was combined with other activities throughout the event that were set up and scheduled by the NOVA Parks, and all of which highlighted the grandeur of Pohick Bay and its recreational opportunities.
The Aquarama continues to be remembered fondly to this day by those who were involved and the small gathering who witnessed it, and the NOVA Parks will always have the memory of a time when Pohick Bay was the site of something truly amazing. A key part of innovation is taking risks, and bringing Cypress Gardens to Northern Virginia was a bold move. If it had drawn larger crowds, it might have become a regular feature. But as an innovator, NOVA Parks was willing to try a big idea and see how it went. The bold spirit that created the Aquarama, is the same spirit that built unique destination parks that have helped define the region. Bold ideas like the nation’s second wave pool, two remarkable light shows that currently attract 280,000
