Leaders explore options for park

Shoals leaders met Thursday morning to discuss a water-theme park, which could become the missing link of an areawide tourism project that involves local governments and the Retirement Systems of Alabama.

Local governments and retirement system officials have been searching for an attraction for Veterans Park to complement the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail complex in Colbert County and the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa, a four-diamond hotel in Florence.

The golf complex and hotel have been the cornerstones of the tourism project that has pumped several million dollars into the local economy during the past five years. As part of the project, the Veterans Park attraction is needed to help lure more visitors to the Shoals and to entertain families who come to the area for conventions.

The meeting included discussion about potential investors who say they might be willing to financially support some of the ideas.

The water-theme park concept is one of 32 proposals submitted to area officials.

Last week, several Shoals leaders visited Wisconsin Dells, Wis., a resort area between Chicago and Minneapolis, to look over an indoor water park that could become a model for the Veterans Park attraction. The park could include a variety of water activities such as water slides, tubing and wading pools. The park would span at least 50,000 square feet.

The project could also include kayaking or white water rafting courses, which could be a part or separate from the enclosed section of the park.

The cost is projected at between $20 million and $50 million, but local entities would not be required to put any additional money toward the project other than the $2 million set aside by the Public Park Authority of the Shoals during the original agreement with the retirement systems agency.

Local officials say Roger Brown, owner of Doublehead Resort near Town Creek and originally from the Shoals, has said he plans to pay for a feasibility study on the water park project.

Brown was out of the country and couldn't be reached for comment Thursday, according to company representatives.

Florence City Councilman Scott Carrier said he is talking with potential investors, who want to remain anonymous, on a proposal for a white water rafting park.

Chris Soileau, a Virginia engineer and rafter, said he is consulting on a white water rafting proposal being delivered. Soileau estimated a course would cost up to $25 million and turn a profit, but only after several years of operation. Information of that project will be posted this weekend at shoalswhitewater.com.

Retired businessman Tom White said he is gathering information on a separate white water park proposal, talking with industry consultants and operators. He said the financing plans have not been completed.

'What is best of the city is what we ought to be doing,' White said.

In October, David Bronner, chief executive officer of the retirement systems, said the area needs to come up with a feasible plan during the next 60 to 90 days.

'We have to really let the public know that we have to get something pretty quick,' said Florence Mayor Bobby Irons. 'There may be a cut off for us.'

The project that ultimately gets approval from the Public Park Authority, Florence and other entities must also get an OK by Bronner and the Tennessee Valley Authority.

TVA owns Veterans Park and will have to sign off on any project. Agency officials have said the project must be affiliated with recreational activities.

Irons emphasized that the project must involve outside investors.

'The city is just not financially strong enough. Our debt limit is really squeezed.' Irons said.

Some at the meeting questioned whether the Veterans Memorial at the park would be moved as a result of the attraction.

'Veterans Park is not going to be taken away; it will be enhanced,' said Rex Burleson, chairman of the Public Park Authority.

Trevor Stokes can be reached at 740-5728 or trevor.stokes@timesdaily.com.