Schlitterbahn announces plans to build resort in Cedar Park

By Joseph M. de Leon Wednesday, 27 January 2010

CEDAR PARK — [Read update on this breaking news: Schlitterbahn water park resort will bring 1,000 jobs and cost $360 million.]

Schlitterbahn Waterparks representatives announced Wednesday the company’s intentions to build a water-themed resort in Cedar Park.

Cedar Park Community Development Corporation (4B) board members and Schlitterbahn representatives will discuss the water park resort project 5:30 p.m. Jan. 28 during a special session. The board can offer businesses incentives and gets its money from a half-cent sales tax.

Following the board meeting, Schlitterbahn representatives will offer a presentation and report to city council members during a regularly scheduled city council meeting Jan. 28. Council meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Thursday of the month in the council chambers in Cedar Park Public Library, 550 Discovery Blvd. in Cedar Park.

During the meeting, council members will consider a resolution approving a water park resort 4B project agreement, a resolution establishing an economic development program and a resolution authorizing an economic development agreement.

Schlitterbahn owns four water parks, including Schlitterbahn Vacation Village—a $749 million retail entertainment center made up of multiple shopping, dining, lodging and entertainment venues. A man-made river system carries guests between lodging units, a summertime water resort, a marine park, stores and restaurants. A covered riverwalk also crisscrosses the development.

Melanie Carr, communications manager for Cedar Park said city employees will not comment on the project until the meeting.

Developers have discussed building a water park in Cedar Park for the past two years. Rick Redmond, one of the principals of the group developing the park, previously estimated the project could cost $350 million.

At the time, Redmond cited the lack of an incentive package from Cedar Park and a slumping economy as reasons for delays in getting the project started.

Jeffrey Siebert, communications director for Schlitterbahn, began a string of posts Jan. 26 on micro-blogging site Twitter that has been counting down to the announcement.

For details, call 830-625-2351 or visit www.schlitterbahn.com.

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