.Newsletter 002
The out of order "Rs" in the World Waterpark sign at West Edmonton Mall.
The World Waterpark is the second largest indoor water park in North America.
Located inside West Edmonton Mall (Edmonton, Alberta), when first opened to the public in 1986, the “Rs” were installed in the wrong order within the signage on the exterior of the building.
There are two identical signs, one on the side of the building parallel to 87 Ave.
The other one is just around the corner, facing East toward the parking for one of the Mall’s busiest entrances. It’s the one that runs South-facing, along 87 Ave, that I’m referring to, the other one is as it should be.
If you look at any of the reference photos I’ve attached, you’ll notice the wave of lighter blue doesn’t flow cohesively through the word.
Try to imagine it with the Rs interchanged…
I’ve been told that they noticed the error after the sign had been fully installed, and it would have been way too costly to rectify, therefore it was left as is. I’ve looked everywhere for even a tiny morsel of proof, I’ve spent much more time than any adult ever should looking for some information about this. There’s barely any information out there about the World Waterpark at all, in any capacity. The only images I could find were simply stock footage of the Mall, used in articles detailing various crimes that have been committed at West Edmonton Mall over the years. Nothing pertaining to the water park specifically.
It doesn’t make much sense. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel the Waterpark sign is one of the most iconic landmarks we have left in Edmonton. Even if you’ve only witnessed it in passing, and have never really given it a second thought… Chances are if you live here, you’ve seen it before. And are aware of it at least.
For there to be almost no intel on the sign, or even the park in general, available to the public seems irresponsible. On the other hand, that could be part of its intrigue. Maybe some things are better left up to our imaginations.
I don’t know if I’m the only Edmontonian to ever take notice of this, it definitely feels that way pretty much all the time.
I’ve been telling this story every chance I get, since someone told it to me.
No one cares, or believes me, or a mix of both. It has to be true though, there’s really no other logical explanation.
I mean, there’s photos to prove it.
Now, despite the exterior of the building being the main focus of this Newsletter, the interior of this water park is equally as compelling. As seen in this YouTube video posted over 15 years ago by user: albertaman1234. Who despite having the most legendary handle ever, only has two posts and two followers. I think we can get this dude to double digits at least.
Another image I found online that does a decent job of curating a vibe. A photo by Flickr user: appaloosa from 2004.
I grew up attending Birthday and New Year’s Eve parties there.
I’m pretty sure it was one of, if not the first places my parents took me when we moved to Edmonton in 1998.
I remember it being a revered place to work in high school.
I actually (no joke) met Pauly Shore there once in 2007.
It’s a shame that there isn’t more documentation of something that played (and continues to play) such a pivotal role in the lives of a lot of local people.
You know what?
Now that I have you here.
I actually made a few bootleg hats to pay homage to exactly what I’m talking about.
A digital rendering of the sign, errors and all, was used for the embroidery.
NF-003.
Six-panel.
Curved brim.
Unstructured.
Embroidered logo.
Adjustable self-fabric strap with brass slider.
Hats can be found here: https://shop.nowherefaststudio.com
In the process of all this, I couldn’t get close to The Ghermezian family for comment but I’ve heard stories of how serious and diligent they are about taking action against anyone using their IP without permission…
Hence why I only made 13. I kept one, a good friend of mine who helped with the logo gets one, and I gave one to Dylan Khotin based on our mutual love of the World Waterpark.
I’m assuming this will be the first and last time I’ll be able to make these without any repercussions. Adding to the evergreen elusiveness of the Waterpark I guess. I think the remaining 10 will go quickly, I apologize for that, I would have made more if could have.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Respect!