OWA announces $100 million expansion plan

OWA announces $100 million expansion plan
Adding Coast’s largest indoor waterpark, resort hotel, RV park pushes total investment over $300 million

OWA, the Gulf Coast’s largest entertainment destination, is continuing to expand with the announcement of a $100 million investment for Phase II. Construction is slated to begin this summer and will include the Gulf Coast’s largest indoor waterpark, an accompanying 200-room resort hotel with conference space, and a luxury, family-friendly RV Park.
Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority (CIEDA), the economic development arm of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, has continually invested in OWA over the last three years.
With the addition of Phase II, CIEDA’s investments will exceed $350 million towards advancing OWA’s presence as a year-round Alabama resort destination.
“Being a substantial economic driver for the State of Alabama, we have continually invested into OWA’s diverse entertainment offerings in an effort to provide visitors and residents with a one-of-a-kind resort experience,” said Cody Williamson, President/CEO of CIEDA.
Keeping in line with OWA’s theme of “big water,” which is derived from the Muscogee Creek language, the decision was easily made to add the Gulf Coast’s largest indoor waterpark to the next phase. Selecting this newest amenity will allow the beach experience to be available throughout the year.
“We chose to start the next phase with a large indoor waterpark because it allows our guests a year-round opportunity to play in the water,” said Kristin Hellmich, OWA’s Director of Marketing/PR. “whether it’s cooling off their summer sun burns or escaping cold temperatures, this exciting new amenity will provide never-ending thrills.”
Construction will begin this summer for all additions in Phase II. Tentative completion dates currently target the end of 2019 for the RV park opening, with an early 2021 opening for the hotel and indoor water park.
A 400 seat theatre and a Paula Deen restaurant are among the new attractions planned to open by this summer. The complex already includes The Park’s 21 rides and attractions and shopping, shows (Brandon Styles Live), meals and sweet treats at OWA Downtown. Restaurants include Wahlburger’s, Crazy Donuts, Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon, Groovy Goat, Hershey’s Ice Cream Parlor, Trattoria Pizza & Italian and the newly announced Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen.
The OWA footprint also includes TownePlace Suites by Marriott and the Foley Sports Tourism Complex, which opened to the public in 2016 and includes 16 outdoor sports fields, and a 90,000 sq. ft. indoor events center.
The 400 seat theatre will be the new home for Legends in Concert, the longest-running show in Las Vegas history.
For more information about OWA, go to VisitOWA.com.