Lake Lanier Resort and Water Park Approved

Desperate for some good news about Lake Lanier this year?

Some finally arrived this week with the announcement that a proposed $130 million hotel and water park has been approved for Mary Alice Park in Cumming.

The huge project would include a 450-room hotel, a 20-acre water park and a conference center with meeting space for 2,000.

The Corps of Engineers produced an environment assessment agreeing with the Great Wolf resort company that the changes would not significantly affect the local environment

Great Wolf executives have been in talks with the city of Cumming for more than 18 months although are details of a sublease between Great Wolf and the city are not yet finished. The city has leased Mary Alice Park from the Corps since 2001 for a nominal fee and earlier this year annexed the parkland.

Not surprisingly, public opposition to the plan centered on whether a water park is an appropriate use of the area's limited water resources.

Great Wolf has said it will require 200,000 gallons of water a day, less than 1 percent of what the city of Cumming pumps from Lake Lanier each day. The environmental assessment also points out that Great Wolf has a filtration system and reuses most of its water.

The boat ramp and beach at Mary Alice Park may be relocated to Lanier's Little Ridge Park or another nearby facility.

A formal public unveiling of the company's plans could be made in January in Cumming and at the state Capitol, with construction likely to begin by spring or summer.

4 Comments

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Eric Roark October 20, 2008	I think its a great idea!!! I've heard nothing but good from what this company represents. I know that water elevations have been an issue, but seriously, the last time we were arguing over whether we should save that water for clams or people?!?!
Jennifer Fox July 15, 2008	Where is the public outcry??? Where and I start a protest??? Why is our town promoting this and why havent the voters had a say??? How did public lands go private with out notice.... how did this BUY out happen with out public consent?
Mark March 13, 2008	I don't understand how any project like this would not significantly affect the lake. Has anyone looked at the lake lately? We will be lucky if it reaches elav.1060 this year. Projects such as this should at least be on hold until they can find a way to protect the lake from fluctuations this severe.
not happy December 13, 2007	I guess the core was bought off!!! I cant take one tree down, but if you have enough money you can do anything.

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