New waterpark coming to Toledo area

Thursday, 29 June 2006

By BRANDI BARHITE
brandibarhite@sanduskyregister.com

MAUMEE - The first indoor waterpark being built in the Toledo metropolitan area will add to the competition Sandusky area resorts are already facing from other Ohio parks.

However, the 106-room Holiday Inn with an indoor waterpark component, which is slated to open in the city of Maumee in late 2006, isn't trying to be a resort, said Mike Patel, member of the Image Hospitality Group opening the Holiday Inn franchise.

"We aren't in the resort business," Patel said. "Our goal is to sell a room."

Patel said every hotel offers a television and Internet access, the 30,000-square-foot tropical-themed waterpark is just another amenity.

The waterpark won't be large enough to entertain for a whole day, he said. Instead, it's designed for the family to enjoy for four or five hours, while the father goes to work in the convention center portion of the Holiday Inn, he said.

The average night stay, which includes four tickets to the waterpark, will cost about $100, less than the cost of rooms at some indoor waterparks in Ohio.

"We'll have the wave action pool; basketball hoops; one body slide, one tube slide, and a 'super bowl,' which is where you come down to the ride, spin in a bowl and drop in a pool," Patel said.

The $20 million project is being built near the Ohio Turnpike in the city of Maumee, part of the Toledo metropolitan area. Image Hospitality Group has other hotels in the area, although this is its first venture into the indoor waterpark arena.

Patel said he hopes the visibility of the location brings in traffic, perhaps even those who are considering Sandusky, which is about one hour from Toledo. The indoor waterpark will have a huge dome over it.

Cedar Point spokesman Bryan Edwards said Castaway Bay sees a lot of guests from Northwest Ohio, including Toledo and Maumee.

"However, we firmly believe that we have a quality, family-friendly product to offer our guests in Castaway Bay," Edwards said via e-mail. "With activities for kids, teenagers and adults, along with four great restaurants, a luxurious day spa, crafts for kids, meeting facilities and more, Castaway Bay offers something for the entire family."

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