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

  • Allegion, Comfort Technologies Implement Mobile Credentials at the Artisan Apartment Homes in Florida

    Artisan Apartment Homes, a luxury apartment complex in Dunedin, Florida, recently transitioned from mechanical keys to electronic locks and centralized system software with support from Allegion US, a leading provider of security solutions, technology and services, and Florida-based Comfort Technologies, which specializes in deploying multifamily access control, IoT devices and software management solutions. Read Now

  • Mall of America Deploys AI-Powered Analytics to Enhance Parking Intelligence

    Mall of America®, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, announced an expansion of its ongoing partnership with Axis Communications to deploy cutting-edge car-counting video analytics across more than a dozen locations. With this expansion, Mall of America (MOA) has boosted operational efficiency, improved safety and security, and enabled more informed decision-making around employee scheduling and streamlining transportation for large events. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Launches New “askSIA” AI Tool

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has unveiled a brand-new SIA member benefit – askSIA, a conversational AI agent designed to help users get the most out of their SIA membership, easily access SIA resources and find the latest information on SIA’s training and courses, reports and publications, events, certification offerings and more. SIA members can easily find askSIA by visiting the SIA homepage or looking for the askSIA icon in the top left of webpages. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Industry Embraces Mobile Access, Biometrics and AI

    A combination of evolving workplace dynamics, technology innovation and new user expectations is changing how people enter and interact with physical spaces. Access control is at the heart of these changes. Combined with biometrics and AI, mobile access control has become increasingly crucial for deploying entry solutions that are seamless, secure and adaptive to user needs. Read Now

  • Sustainable Video Solution Delivered for Landmark City of London Office Development

    An advanced, end-to-end video solution from IDIS, with a focus on reducing waste and costs, has helped a major office development in the City of London align its security with sustainability objectives. Read Now

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.