George Millay
George Millay | |
|---|---|
| Born | 4 July 1929 San Diego, California, U.S. |
| Died | 6 February 2006 (aged 76) San Diego, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Known for | Founder of SeaWorld and Wet 'n Wild water parks |
George Millay (July 4, 1929 – February 6, 2006) was a prominent American entrepreneur recognized for founding both SeaWorld and the Wet 'n Wild series of water parks.
A native of San Diego, Millay served in the Navy for three years before earning his degree from UCLA in 1955. He began his professional career as a stockbroker.
In 1958, together with partners including David Tallichet, Millay co-established Speciality Restaurants Corporation, which debuted with a Polynesian-themed dining establishment in Long Beach. SRC grew to operate more than 100 sites across the country, featuring notable venues such as Proud Bird near Los Angeles International Airport and 94th Aero Squadron adjacent to Van Nuys Airport.
Following the sale of SRC to Tallichet, Millay conceived the idea of an underwater zoo to compete with Marineland of the Pacific. Collaborating with two fraternity brothers and their advisor, he opened SeaWorld in San Diego in 1964. The introduction of the orca named Shamu in 1965 became a hallmark attraction. Millay further expanded SeaWorld by launching parks in Ohio (1970) and Orlando (1973), and played a role in developing Magic Mountain. In 1977, he established the now-closed Wet 'n Wild water park in Orlando.
World Waterpark Association
The World Waterpark Association (WWA), created in 1982 and headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, drew inspiration from Millay’s pioneering achievements. Managed by a volunteer board, a Governance Committee, and professional staff members, WWA organizes an annual conference and Trade Show aimed at educating its members and presenting the latest waterpark products and services. The organization also produces World Waterpark Magazine, which serves industry professionals.
By the time Millay divested his company in 1998, ten Wet 'n Wild parks were operational. He earned induction into the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Hall of Fame in 1994. In 2004, WWA recognized him with their inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award and officially designated him as the "Father of the Waterpark."
Millay died on February 6, 2006, at age 76 due to complications arising from lung cancer treatment in San Diego.