Land of Natura is anchored by a five-acre 20-foot-deep natural swimming pond
Located in the south-central part of the state, the Wisconsin Dells has long carried the title of Waterpark Capital of the World, earned through its numerous aquatic attractions that offer similar experiences in style and design. But a different vision, called Land of Natura, departs from the status quo by focusing on nature and the surrounding natural environment.
Our clients—Adam, David and Rick Makowski of Natura Destinations—envisioned an experience that traded chlorine for biological filtration. Their vision became the Land of Natura, which opened for its first summer in 2023.
Today, the project stands as the largest naturally filtered water park in the world. It also was recently honored with a Silver Award from Landscape Illinois. Anchoring the destination is a five-acre, 20-foot-deep natural swimming pond that seamlessly blends high-energy recreation with sophisticated technical design.
Achieving pristine water quality on such a massive scale required engineering a system capable of handling the heavy biological load of thousands of annual vacationers. It also had to maintain the aesthetic and ecological integrity of a natural body of water. Reflections Water Gardens was invited to join the project as technical consultant.
Innovative Infrastructure
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We were tasked with advising on the implementation of an innovative, chemical-free filtration and circulation system. In this role, we managed the sourcing, filtration and circulation requirements necessary to keep the five-acre basin clean without synthetic additives. Owners of the project, the Makowskis, served as developers and designers. This level of specialization was critical to the project, ensuring the ambitious scale of the waterpark remained functional and safe for public use and was developed according to the initial vision.
The project got underway with significant foundational work. Construction crews positioned heavy concrete counterweights across the site. These anchors are essential for the stability of the water park’s centerpiece: an immense, custom inflatable obstacle course. Because the inflatables are subjected to constant movement and high winds, the foundational anchoring system had to be robust. In-ground weights ensure safety and stability, locking the recreational elements firmly in place.
Site preparation also involved transforming the landscape to accommodate the massive pond. Synchronized construction repurposed materials and ensured that the supporting infrastructure would be ready by the opening deadline. Material for a half-moon sand beach, for example, was meticulously formed as the basin for the natural swimming pond was created. While this earthwork progressed, the precast concrete shell of the guest amenities building rose opposite the water feature.
Material Scarcity
Technical challenges that threatened the project’s timeline emerged early in the construction phase. Widespread material scarcity during the coronavirus pandemic severely impacted the availability of PVC and pond liners. This delay forced the team into a period of rigorous engineering adaptation.
Through collaborative efforts, we developed creative workarounds to keep the project on schedule despite supply chain constraints. We simply had to be strategic with the resources we could secure.
The resulting biofilter system is a marvel of scale and material management, utilizing a full acre of liner to contain the filtration beds. To create the necessary surface area for beneficial bacteria to thrive and treat the water, the design incorporates 11,000 reservoir cubes and more than 4,900 tons of gravel. This massive biological engine is what allows the natural pond to operate without chemical intervention.
Filtration Mechanics
Filtration is driven by a complex storage system designed for maximum efficiency. Reservoir cubes create the intake bay. The pond’s primary filtration system manages subsurface filtration and storage, allowing water to be drawn through the gravel media where biological processes strip away impurities.
Corrugated intake pipes facilitate the movement of water from these bays to the pump and filtration systems.
This integrated design optimizes water quality and ensures the entire five-acre body of water remains in constant motion. To ensure reliable water access and circulation across the expansive site, the team routed 8,500 linear feet of 8-inch PVC through challenging, uneven terrain.
This plumbing network ensures that even the furthest reaches of the pond receive filtered, oxygenated water. Of course, all the infrastructure remains hidden beneath the water’s surface, allowing the natural beauty of the pond to remain the primary focus for guests.
Opportunity Knocks
The aesthetic design of the pond balances recreation with naturalism. Boulders are strategically placed throughout the pond for purpose and definition.
Stone borders define a swim channel while directing water flow and reinforcing the technical circulation requirements of the naturally filtered system. Boulders in deeper swimming areas create a controlled environment for advanced skill levels.
A shallow beach mimics a natural lake shore and provides easy access. Out in the water, a small island provides space for lounging and a resting place for swimmers. Stonework also serves as seating areas, encouraging conversation and interaction among guests relaxing in the water.
Land of Natura demonstrates that chemical-free systems can scale to meet the intense demands of high-traffic public destinations. Most importantly, it offers the naturally filtered water experience to those who may not have it at home, inspiring them to create their own backyard escapes.
About the Author
Larry Carnes is founder, owner and president of Reflections Water Gardens. With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, Larry has transitioned from hands-on contractor to visionary leader focused on the intersection of natural artistry and company culture.
