We reported back on Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 that a proposed water park could be coming to Currituck County. It has now been reported by multiple news stations that the water park has been approved and it is slated to open in 2017.
From reports it seems that the water park will handle up to 5,000 visitors a day. It could be quite the positive change for the area, as one of the criticisms the area faces is the lack of things to do for vacationers. The ability to give an additional 5,000 people an outlet for family fun is great.
From initial reports it seems like the park is going to have a very Outer Banks kinda-theme with lighthouses, pirate ships, and more. Wavy-TV writes:
Right now, the plans are to construct an 80 acre park just 2 miles north of the Wright Memorial Bridge in lower Currituck County. The nautical theme of the water park will draw inspiration from local icons and history, including lighthouses, famous pirate ships, and the Wright Brothers legacy.
Plans include multiple water slide complexes, a wave pool, adventure lagoon and lazy river, and a FlowRider®surf ride attraction. Over two acres will be dedicated to a state-of-the-art children’s adventure area and there will also be several dozen private, wait-serviced cabanas, food and beverage options, and retail venues within the park.
Potential Economic Benefit of Outer Banks Water Park
Additionally, the Virginian-Pilot provides an interesting look into the potential economic benefits for lower Currituck and the Outer Banks.
The venture creates a center of tourist attractions in Point Harbor that could improve the economy of lower Currituck, planning staff said when recommending the project to county commissioners in May. The board supported the project unanimously.
The parks will sit on a mostly rural tract located just south of Kilmarlic Golf Club and across U.S. 158 from The Pointe Golf Club. The board also approved an ordinance change to allow a 110-foot slide. Previously, the height limit for outdoor recreation was 60 feet.
Dozens of people will work there during the summer to augment about 10 year-round employees, according to a news release from Aquatic Development Group, the New York-based company that will design and build the water park.
Looks like it should be good for both the local Outer Banks economy, especially in Currituck and for those looking to vacation on the Outer Banks. Only the long-term will tell how great an impact the waterpark will have on property values on the Outer Banks.
What do you think? Will the area continue to see renewed interest with the addition of attractions like the water park? Will local Outer Banks businesses see an increase in business?
Posted by Mike Bishal
on
Leave A Comment