Garland Lodge bestows Community Builder Award on Water Park founder

Duck Creek Masonic Lodge #1419 in Garland, Texas recently honored Hawaiian Falls founder and CEO David Busch with the 2014 Community Builder Award, the highest award a local lodge can give a non-Mason. 

“More than 10 years ago David Busch chose Garland to build his first Hawaiian Falls water park,” noted James Turner, Duck Creek Masonic Lodge Worshipful Master. “His vision was to build more than an entertainment venue. His mission was to bring families closer together and that is right in line with our mission of making good men better.”

A written proclamation stated, “Knowing that he’d be providing many of his young seasonal employees their first job, Mr. Busch wanted to create an environment that nurtured them and provided life skills. Through a Connections Program, each park has several Chaplains that reach out, train, build character and offer help, encouragement and advice to Hawaiian Falls ambassadors.”

The proclamation also noted, “Mr. Busch insists upon making a positive impact in the local community. Through his Neighbor 2 Neighbor programs, he partners with local charities and churches, blessing needy families, those with hardships, disabilities and our military heroes with a special day at the park. In 2013, the Neighbor 2 Neighbor program raised more than $520,000 that was donated to more than 20 organizations, including food pantries, shelters, crisis centers, mentoring programs, missions and many others.”

“I’m humbled and honored to receive this award,” said Busch. “We’ve always tried to make an impact on the communities we serve. We want our seasonal employees to go back to school with more than just a good tan. We invest in character building and training to prepare them to be the leaders of tomorrow wherever they may go. We serve the community because that’s what Jesus did. He’s our example of servant leadership.”

Hawaiian Falls operates water parks in Garland, The Colony, Mansfield, Roanoke and Waco, Texas. Hawaiian Falls is also building the first Adventure Park – Water Park combinations in Pflugerville, (north of Austin) and White Settlement, Texas. Scheduled to open this Memorial Day weekend, the Adventure Parks and Aloha Event Centers will be open year-round. More information is available at hfalls.com or facebook.com/hfalls.