It's a rising tide of waterparks

Sunday, 14 May 2006

By BRANDI BARHITE
brandibarhite@sanduskyregister.com

SANDUSKY - Sandusky's monopoly on Ohio's indoor waterpark industry is over.

The cities of Columbus and Cincinnati will soon have indoor waterparks of their own.

"We find that Columbus people are going to northern Ohio to get indoor waterpark experience," said Scott Somerville, president of Focus Lodging Group LLC.

Focus Lodging is opening Fort Rapids Indoor Waterpark Resort, the first indoor waterpark resort in central Ohio. It's scheduled to open May 22.

"We felt we had a terrific site," Somerville said. "The hotel sits right at I-70, just outside of downtown, about 220,000 people go by it each day."

What'll set Fort Rapids apart from other indoor waterparks is the western theme, he said. The Holiday Inn has been expanded from its 278 rooms to include 60 new family villas, which range from a one-bedroom to four-bedroom and three-bathroom suites.

Cedar Point spokesman Bryan Edwards said Castaway Bay attracts families with teenage children from a 100-mile radius with many from the Columbus, Cleveland, Akron and Canton areas.

Edwards said competition is good because it puts Ohio on the map as an indoor waterpark destination. Also, competition is good for the guests because it drives down prices.

Castaway Bay at Cedar Point opened in November 2004 to a stellar year. Occupancy was down the first quarter of this year, though.

Increased competition in the area and the indoor waterpark's success exceeding expectations the first year have been stated as causes.

"They will spend their money locally, but it's fun when we have an exchange as well," said Patty Geiger, media relations manager for Experience Columbus.

In addition to Fort Rapids, Cherry Valley Lodge and Waterpark, in Newark, considered part of the Greater Columbus area, will open in the near future, Geiger said.

Besides those, she hasn't heard of others opening in the Columbus area.

The other one opening in Ohio this year is Great Wolf Lodge at Kings Island, near Cincinnati. Great Wolf Lodge opened in 2001 in Perkins Township. Then named Great Bear Lodge, it was the first indoor waterpark in Ohio.

Kim Schaefer, chief operating officer for Great Wolf Resorts, said the newest park will be right on Kings Island property, which is a "great visible location for us," she said.

Schaefer said Great Wolf Lodge will be the first fully themed indoor waterpark in southern Ohio.

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