Show all postsAn excited buzz circulated throughout the city and beyond early this year when a plan to build a multimillion dollar water park and aquarium on golf course land was proposed.
Never in recent history had so many people packed City Council meetings and other public gatherings, eager to learn more about the possibilities.
When, after several months, the water park plans dried up, the buzz eventually died down and left some folks wondering, would the idea emerge in another city?
One of the developers behind the plan said this month that an announcement for another Northeast Ohio location is coming soon.
THE PROPOSAL
Hammond Aqualife LLC and the city announced the proposal in late February to construct an approximately $50 million aquarium and indoor water park in Massillon. The Legends of Massillon golf course was the site selected for the park. When May 1 came, the project was yanked with developers citing a slow moving process with city government.
A boon of tourism dollars for city businesses, a major hotel, road upgrades and quality of life were potential plusses discussed that could have come with the project.
“I think it could have been a good fit for the city and a big attraction to boost the economy,” said Councilwoman Michelle Del Rio-Keller, D-at large, in looking back. “Maybe we could have (acquired) another hotel to come here out of the deal.”
Mayor Kathy Catazaro-Perry called the idea a “home run” and said many city residents were in favor of having the attraction in Massillon.
A handful of well-attended public meetings about the water park proposal took place in March and April, as Rex Ferguson led a four-member group to generate interest about the project. Ferguson, a Stark County resident, was the group’s spokesman, while Fidel Magdelena Junco of Texas was identified as the partner with expertise in aquariums and water parks. The two met in the 1980s while they were students at Walsh University.
The duo was peppered with questions on financing and construction that never seemed to be satisfactorily answered. The developers later decided to move on from Massillon due to what Ferguson called a lengthy and “protracted” process involving city government.
Catazaro-Perry has no regrets on the weeks spent exploring the idea and noted the city was out no money for its interest.
“When something big comes along, you have to take a strong look to see if it’s viable,” the mayor said. “That’s exactly what we did.”
UPPING THE ANTE
In April, the company veered off its original plan to lease 22 acres of the golf course by offering to purchase the entire facility. The golf course consists of about 275 acres at 2100 Augusta Drive SE. Ferguson said the company wanted to operate an 18-hole golf course and use the remaining property to develop the aquarium and water park.
Page 2 of 3 – The city’s excitement for the project began to dim when Hammond failed to provide the answers city officials sought concerning financing, and the company’s ability to deliver specific information on the project.
While excited about the possibilities, city residents were curious about the project. Hundreds filled the City Council chamber and Lillian Beane Center for public meetings. They queried about impact on city roads. Would the facility have a negative impact on property values? What would happen if the project failed?
Hammond offered answers, but those answers didn’t always sit well with elected officials and residents.
“The cart came before the horse,” recalled Del Rio-Keller. “We jumped on the idea, and the research came later. That’s when the whole issue started to go south.”
Del Rio-Keller added that supporting documents on specific financial and building plans never made it from the developers to City Council, which added to concerns about the project.
City residents living near The Legends had their own issues about additional traffic, safety and property values.
“When you questioned them on negativity, it was buried under the rug,” Del Rio-Keller said.
After the Massillon proposal was pulled, the company privately began shopping the project to other areas. Ferguson said recently that his group is close to announcing a new Northeast Ohio location for a water park, but was mum on details.
NEXT UP FOR LEGENDS
The Legends is staying on par as a 27-hole golf course for at least 2015, even though the Massillon Parks and Recreation Board unanimously recommended reverting to the original 18-hole concept over the summer.
City Council nixed the notion for at least a year and wants to focus on a new management structure at the golf course. Luring a professional golf management company to The Legends is an option to consider that could help with cost savings and increasing business, Del Rio-Keller said.
The Parks and Recreation Department has talked to multiple management companies with interest about taking over full operation of the course, Del Rio-Keller said. But nothing has progressed beyond general discussion.
The city carries more than $5 million of debt on The Legends, and has mulled many options to reduce the deficit.
Council, the mayor and the Parks and Rec Board should work together to find a suitable solution, said Del Rio-Keller, adding that she prefers hiring a full-time manager next year.
“My feeling is we need to put a manager out there,” said the councilwoman. “We haven’t had a full-time manager since 2008.”
Advertising for the position and conducting interviews could come in early 2015, prior to the start of the golfing season, which is in March, Del Rio-Keller said.
Page 3 of 3 – Catazaro-Perry said any decision on future management of The Legends should be her call. However, City Council is the final authority on such matters.
“I can’t really say what’s next for the golf course,” the mayor said. “It’s not under my purview.”
GateHouse Ohio writer Edd Pritchard contributed to this report.
Reach Steven at 330-775-1134
or steven.grazier@indeonline.com
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What Had You Talking in 2014? Water park idea creates major buzz around Massillon