It all started with an ordinary geothermal well. The beneficial effects of the water from the well and its thermal energy encouraged the architects of the emerging Tatralandia water park to tap into the park's natural potential. A project, whose energetic self-sufficiency could be an example for others, was born. However, its focus on nature conservation and green technology is much greater.
Thermal, pure or sea water: I've always had the opportunity to between them. I come from the Liptov region and am a big fan of Tatralandia. You could say we grew up together. First, I enjoyed the attractions on my own as a student, and today I share the pleasant feelings of first-class relaxation with my family.
Water instead of coal
Who knows from whom we inherited our love for water. Wherever we go, there is always water. It seems that this element has been made especially for my two little daughters. Whenever we dip into a warm pool, the same question always comes to my mind with respect to nature conservation: how much energy is needed to keep the pools warm all year round? Where does the dirty water go?
During one of our weekend visits to the water park, I bumped into the director of Tatralandia water park, Igor Mráz, and asked him with almost childish curiosity. “The majority of the extracted water only passes through the heating systems and releases its thermal energy. We use it to heat pools and the water is returned unchanged to nature,” said Mráz. “The second part of the water flows into the pools and circulates continuously, which minimises the need for chemical treatment. Visitors can fully enjoy its beneficial effects on the locomotive and respiratory system. Free of impurities and cooled, it is then released back to nature,” he satisfied my curiosity. If there was no thermal water, Tatralandia would burn more than four thousand tons of coal. That would be very detrimental for the air.
Tatralandia water park
Almost like the sea
We love mountains, but we also love the sea. As our children go to school, a seaside holiday is only possible in the summer. However, we can enjoy the seaside atmosphere all year round at Tatralandia. The exotic Tropical Paradise, Caribbean temperature, two seawater pools and massage jets always boost our energy. “The water has detoxing effects and does not require chemical treatment. It is really “sea” water as we import salt directly from Italy. Even in the Liptov region, everyone can taste the Adriatic or Mediterranean Sea,” added Igor Mráz, surprising me. Well, a cold glass of draught beer Karlovačko would make it perfect. However, the offer of mixed drinks, which we regularly enjoy with my husband directly in the pool, is not bad at all. “We decided to go greener by using washable acrylate cups this year instead of disposable plastic ones. We followed up on the policy in our restaurants, cutting down on plastic waste and introducing porcelain plates and metal cutlery,” said the director of Tatralandia. Next year, all drinks in plastic bottles will disappear from the water park and plastic straws will be replaced by their green version. Why not, I think, when it can be done differently. The green trend will not harm anyone and it is actually sought-after by our family.
Natural essence for the nose
We are natural types and maybe that's why my husband and I are attracted to the sauna world. I love bathing in hot steam and the power of heat. I can feel every drop that runs down my body; it relieves me of fatigue, and I feel energy returning to my veins. These feelings are even stronger when there is a pleasant scent in a sauna. “Chemicals would certainly not be the right choice. The quality and health of our visitors is important for us, so we only use natural essences from mint, exotic fruits or herbs. They contain pure natural oils, which withstand the heat of the furnace, and they are without alcohol,” added Igor Mráz, virtually tickling our noses. Well, the mint is a bullseye for me. There’s nothing better for my stuffy nose.
Tatralandia - a steam sauna
Second chance for waste
At Tatralandia, efforts to protect the environment can be seen everywhere. For example, the rubbish bins playfully force people to protect nature and sort waste. The lifeguards or other employees of the water park are happy to help if you can’t
decide. “We also focus on the processing of biological waste by mowing lawns and cultivating outdoor areas. We want to be as close to nature as possible and recycle or give organic waste to farmers for fertilisation,” commented Igor
Mráz. Tatralandia wants to introduce its visitors to new trends - literally. Ecology is incorporated in a number of animations, including attractive games
and puzzles for children. However, there is no room for boredom: a look at the happy faces of my two princesses is proof. We heard and saw a lot, but it
did not diminish the fun at the water park. On the contrary, people have an opportunity to understand that Tatralandia is no waste factory but rather a mirror
for us all.
Education without desks
The recent visit to Tatralandia made me think about myself, and I realised there is a lot I can improve upon. I am already thinking about how our family can contribute to the green trend. Who knows, maybe next time we will come by bike or rent an electric car. There is even a free charging station in front of the hotel's reception desk so no one's battery will run out of energy. The less emissions, the better the air.
The worst thing is to be indifferent and not show children the right way to treat the environment. I’m proud that my native region of Liptov is setting the example and entertaining as well as educating children. The rest
will depend on us, the parents. But with a manual like this and an exotic environment, learning is much easier than at school. If you don’t believe me, come for a dip.
Source: LIPTOV REGION – regional tourism organization, www.visitliptov.sk.
