Based on the analysis of naming and classification characteristics of 878 water parks in China, the classification system of water parks is reconsidered according to the basic principles of scientificalness, uniqueness, simplicity and practicality. According to the resource characteristics of water parks, a ternary model for human-water relationship among water resources, water projects and water culture is established. The water parks are classified into 8 sub-categories in 3 categories of resources(river sand lakes), projects and culture(heritage). The research results may be helpful for the sustainable development of water parks.