posted November 27, 2007
A 14-acre water park is planned just off Ringgold Road in the center of East Ridge.
Developers said the $12 million "Splash Valley" will feature 12 rides, including one new to the U.S. It is to include a water roller coaster, a large wave pool, a 1,000-foot lazy river, a large children's play park and three restaurants.
It could be open next May, officials said.
The site, that was formerly a mobile home park, is just off the 5700 block of Ringgold Road. It is across from Groome Transportation and next to Nice Cars.
The project was approved unanimously by the East Ridge City Council on Tuesday night. Another meeting on the issue is set for Thursday morning.
Work is slated to begin on the amusement park as soon as approval is granted.
Mayor Mike Steele said the deal is not yet finalized because the Birmingham, Ala., developers have not yet specified what incentives and tax breaks they are seeking.
But Mayor Steele said he wants to make the deal happen, saying it could mean as much as $250,000 per year to the city just in sales tax revenue.
He said it would also spur additional restaurants and boost existing motels and dining establishments.
Mayor Steele said the developers chose the site because of the abundant water supply, the nearness to I-75, and the fact there are no other water parks in the area. The closest ones are at Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
He said developer David Mayes is originally from Chattanooga and has moved back here to head up the project. His partner is Shawn Callahan.
Mayor Steele said East Ridge is becoming a recreational and entertainment destination. He said Camp Jordan with its soccer complex is a big draw, and he said the Rave Theater has been a success.
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