italianchef Posted July 26, 2004 Share Posted July 26, 2004 Howdy folks, The proposed Great Wolf Lodge on PKI property, which would include an indoor waterpark, just got a step closer to becoming a reality. Read about it in the Mason Community Press below. ____________________________________________________________ Water-lodged: Great Wolf Lodge unveils plans for indoor resort in Mason By Charelle Rodenbaugh Staff Reporter MASON - An indoor waterpark, lodge and conference center could be another way to draw tourists to Mason and Warren County, city officials say. Economic Development Director Michelle Blair said in a regional study of the local economy, Warren County offered the most tourism opportunities in three states, with Mason home to more than half of the regional tourist activities. "Mason's overall economic impact to the region is further boosted by the changing travel habits of families that are staying closer to home and taking more frequent and impromptu trips," Blair said. Council approved the project and an incentive package for the Great Wolf Lodge Resort and Conference Center at the July 12 meeting. Mason Councilwoman Charlene Pelfrey said she is excited to see the project move forward. The construction of Great Wolf Lodge in Mason would occur on the current Kings Island Campground site, a property recently brought into the city by annexation. Representatives of the lodge said they are partnering with PKI. They would like to build a 365-room, four-story, log-sided, north woods themed indoor water park resort and conference center on the 38-acre campus. Great Lakes Co. controls five Great Wolf Lodges in the U.S. There are an three under construction. One of the Great Lakes lodges is in Sandusky, near Cedar Point. Marck Bavaro, an official with the Great Lakes Co. said that lodge has been very successful. Bavaro said that Mason became a prime location for the resort after studies revealed that about a third of the population in the United States is located within a five-mile drive of Mason. Bavaro said because Great Wolf Lodge would be open year-round, it would generate tourism when Paramount Kings Island is closed. City spokeswoman Jennifer Trepal said although Mason approved a tax break to bring the lodge to town, the company may still decide to go elsewhere. She said no construction plans have been submitted to the city's planning commission. John Harris, president of the Chamber of Northeast Cincinnati, said he thinks the addition of the conference center and indoor waterpark will be a positive step for the community. Harris said Great Wolf will do that by extending the current 100-day visitors season. Mason is already home to The Beach Waterpark, off of U.S. 741, and PKI's new Boomerang Bay waterpark, at the south end the PKI property. Both parks are open during the summer. Representatives of The Beach, which is in its 20th season, did not respond to messages from The Community Press. "This type of development has been rumored to be put on the campground property for years," Harris said. Harris said he feels the lodge would be a tremendous asset to the area and that other properties will benefit from the construction as well. "We want to ensure it has a positive impact on those business already here," Harris said. crodenbaugh@communitypress.com 248-7574 ___________________________ Have a great day! Italian Chef :chef: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanner Posted July 26, 2004 Share Posted July 26, 2004 I know the one up in Sandusky is huge! I wonder if the one near PKI will be as big if it becomes reality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Picard Posted July 26, 2004 Share Posted July 26, 2004 I wonder why the parks are closing their campgrounds, Carowinds closed their campground this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoddaH1994 Posted July 26, 2004 Share Posted July 26, 2004 Pure speculation, but my deduction is that the campground attendance has dropped, while hotel bookage has risen in the past few years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
King Bowser Posted July 26, 2004 Share Posted July 26, 2004 This Great Wolf Lodge sounds awsome but I was one of the peeps that loved to campout during the summer at what once was Jellystone Campground. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlopez Posted July 26, 2004 Share Posted July 26, 2004 I hope they relocate the campground if they build the lodge. Every year when I go we stay at the campground for 3 or 4 days, and its a heck of a lot cheaper then a motel. I remember Jellystone Campground. Where was that located, I forget ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smurfs Enchanted Voyage Posted July 26, 2004 Share Posted July 26, 2004 Where the campground is now & has always been I remember that as well when they called it Jellystone campground and Yogi&Boo-Boo would visit the guests in the morning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
italianchef Posted July 27, 2004 Author Share Posted July 27, 2004 I know the one up in Sandusky is huge! I wonder if the one near PKI will be as big if it becomes reality. According to the article below, "The water park would be almost three times the size of the one at the company's Great Bear Lodge in Sandusky, spokesman Eric Lund said." http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2004/03/2.../biz_pki24.html In my opinion, the proposed hotel is TOO big. I hope that they don't make it so large and expensive that they price themselves out of the market. Have a great day! Italian Chef :chef: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan Posted July 27, 2004 Share Posted July 27, 2004 Too true Chef. Hopefully that won't happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docdude316 Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 Bavaro said that Mason became a prime location for the resort after studies revealed that about a third of the population in the United States is located within a five-mile drive of Mason. This can't be right. How is it possible that 1/3 of the population of the entire US lives within 5-miles of Mason. Can someone verify that this is the exact quote and not a typo? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
King Bowser Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 UM? that has gotta be a type-o-!? thats not right! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PKIDelirium Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 Heh, I think it means 5 HOURS from Mason. That got me freaked out too lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xx2cansamxX Posted July 30, 2004 Share Posted July 30, 2004 Ive stayed at Great Bear Lodge twice, and it is really fun. I hope we get one around here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knoxville Posted July 31, 2004 Share Posted July 31, 2004 I've stayed in there for 2 nights on a trip to CP. Best pool ever! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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