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Kalahari hits the ground running

Water coaster resort packs them in during its first few weeks in business.

By JENNA BUZZACCO
jennabuzzacco@sanduskyregister.com

HURON TWP. - Even during the middle of the week when things are a little slower than on the weekends, Kalahari is packed.

There are people lining up to ride the Zip Coaster, visitors lounging by the outdoor pool and children playing miniature golf.

"It's going really well," said owner Todd Nelson.

The resort opened May 20 and three weeks later, guests wouldn't recognize the place because of all the changes.

The outdoor pool, which was just being dug opening week, is up and running. On Tuesday, visitors sat in lounge chairs soaking in the rays, just a day after the pool opened.

Having an outdoor pool is a huge draw, Kalahari spokesman Steve Corcoran said, because many visitors want a chance to be out enjoying the sun, rather than being confined indoors.

Those people who want to slip and slide down the park's water slides are stuck inside for another year, Corcoran said. The outdoor waterpark will not be completed until next summer.

But visitors hoping to ride the Zip Coaster won't be disappointed, Corcoran said.

The indoor water roller coaster did not receive safety approval in time for the opening, but was up and running the next week, Corcoran said.

"We've just been really thrilled," Nelson said. "It's been going really well."

Visitors now have the option of getting a relaxing massage or pedicure during their visit, too.

The Kalahari Spa opened earlier this month, ahead of schedule. The spa, which is open the community, is something that everyone -- not just the moms in the family -- can enjoy, Nelson said.

"I tell a lot of people that spas aren't just for women. There's nothing better than getting a pedicure," Nelson said. "I was one of those macho guys who didn't want to go to a spa, but now I probably go once a week."

Corcoran said the resort is nearly filled to capacity this week. While many visitors are from Ohio, Nelson said folks from Chicago and Detroit have driven here to try out the resort.

"It's mainly people from Michigan and Ohio right now," Nelson said. "But we've had some visitors from Indiana and Pennsylvania."

Community members are also getting in on the fun, Corcoran said.

With several restaurants and bars, Corcoran said local residents have been frequenting the resort to just enjoy a taste of Kalahari. And community support is what makes Kalahari-Sandusky different from the one in the Wisconsin Dells, Nelson said.

"The area has just been amazing," Nelson said. "I really want to stress that everything is open to the community."

Kalahari is the only local indoor waterpark that offers day passes to community members, meaning visitors don't need to stay at the resort to use its facilities.

And if the recent additions aren't enough, Corcoran said community members should expect big announcements in July.

"We're just looking forward to making this place even better," Nelson said. "When people walk through the doors, they're actually clogging up the doors in awe."

Kalahari Condos is scheduled to open July 15, Nelson said.

"We're starting to put furniture in them this week," Nelson said.

All 96 of the condos have been sold and plans are in the works for more sometime in the near future.

For reservations or to inquire about a day pass, call 419-433-7000.

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