Fluidmesh Solutions Make a Splash at Magic Waters Waterpark

Got WiFi? That's a question Magic Waters WaterPark in Cherry Valley, IL asked itself in response to growing consumer demand for public WiFi accessibility. The award-winning attraction, which is managed by the Rockford Park District, is always a crowd pleasing destination so its desire to provide patrons with free WiFi service was a perfect add-on to the park.Fluidmesh Solutions Make a Splash at Magic Waters Waterpark

James Shaw, systems administrator/communications specialist for Rockford Park District's IT division, was tasked with leading the project. The objective, Shaw explained, was to create an additional network throughout the park as a back-up to their aging fiber network. The installation got underway after the waterpark closed for the 2013 season. The mesh network was completed in the Fall of 2013, and was put into operation during the Summer 2014 season.

Shaw selected Fluidmesh for this install for a variety of reasons.

"We needed a redundant network that could grow and adjust to the constant changes within the waterpark," he said. "And, the mesh network is also used to provide wireless access throughout using Aerohive Access Points at each mesh hop point."

The Configuration of the System

The network encompasses Fluidmesh1100 radios arranged in a ring formation throughout the water park with eight hop points. Each hop point also has an Aerohive AP connected only to the mesh network. Two Fluidmesh Access Points are configured as mesh-ends and both are located at the site’s main Cisco switch.

Another Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) was recently added to the mesh to provide wireless bridges to pump room chemical monitors, as well as to enable network access to maintenance buildings that were not previously hard-wired with networking. This addition makes a total of six VLAN's on the mesh: Fluidmesh management, AH management, Mobile WiFi, Client WiFi, Guest WiFi, and Bridging WiFi.

"Fluidmesh was very pleased to partner with the Rockford Park District on this project to provide free Wi-Fi service to Magic Waters' customers throughout the park," noted Cosimo Malesci, Fluidmesh co-founder and VP of sales & marketing. "Our Fluidmesh radios were used to extend the coverage throughout the facility while distributing access points at specific locations inside the park. The waterpark eventually plans on utilizing the same Fluidmesh backbone for ticketing and other services."

“Magic Waters Waterpark has 10 different attractions, and each has its own 'thrill factor,' so our customers can create their own experience," stated Zack McIntyre, director of Magic Waters & Aquatics. "We offer high value at a safe, clean, and affordable waterpark.”

Shaw added, "There are always expansion plans and changes to the waterpark, and now we have a network to adapt to those changes."

Featured

  • Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

    Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now

    • Guard Services
  • Identity Governance at the Crossroads of Complexity and Scale

    Modern enterprises are grappling with an increasing number of identities, both human and machine, across an ever-growing number of systems. They must also deal with increased operational demands, including faster onboarding, more scalable models, and tighter security enforcement. Navigating these ever-growing challenges with speed and accuracy requires a new approach to identity governance that is built for the future enterprise. Read Now

  • Eagle Eye Networks Launches AI Camera Gun Detection

    Eagle Eye Networks, a provider of cloud video surveillance, recently introduced Eagle Eye Gun Detection, a new layer of protection for schools and businesses that works with existing security cameras and infrastructure. Eagle Eye Networks is the first to build gun detection into its platform. Read Now

  • Report: AI is Supercharging Old-School Cybercriminal Tactics

    AI isn’t just transforming how we work. It’s reshaping how cybercriminals attack, with threat actors exploiting AI to mass produce malicious code loaders, steal browser credentials and accelerate cloud attacks, according to a new report from Elastic. Read Now

  • Pragmatism, Productivity, and the Push for Accountability in 2025-2026

    Every year, the security industry debates whether artificial intelligence is a disruption, an enabler, or a distraction. By 2025, that conversation matured, where AI became a working dimension in physical identity and access management (PIAM) programs. Observations from 2025 highlight this turning point in AI’s role in access control and define how security leaders are being distinguished based on how they apply it. Read Now

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.