I mentioned last week that the Pilot had a story about the new waterpark that is planned. Here is what the Corpus paper had to say about it. Randy(308) sent this to me.

CORPUS CHRISTI — Developers are planning a water park in Rockport that they say could open as early as Memorial Day 2009.

The Blue Lagoon Water Park & Resort would sit on about 20 acres at the northwest corner of the State Highway 35 bypass and Pearl Street (Farm-to-Market Road 2165) in Rockport.

Those 20 acres are among 40 owned by Carlos Peña of San Antonio, an investor and developer on the project. WaterPark Experts, Inc. based in Seguin, will work in conjunction with Alamo Grid Construction LLC in San Antonio to build the water park and resort.

Bill Womack, president of the construction company, said he anticipates construction will begin next month. Haynes Realty Co. is handling the commercial property sales around the planned water park.

Plans include a 3-acre family entertainment center with a movie theater, miniature golf course and batting cages. The water park would include slides, pools, rides and a man-made river built to wind around native trees. A wave surf pool for surfers, nature trail and about 50 bungalows with room to build another 150 units also are part of the plan.

The surrounding acreage also has room for future expansion and commercial businesses such as a hotel and restaurants.

City Manager Tom Blazek said he recently learned of the project and believes it can have a positive economic effect on the city. Developers have not yet submitted an application to have the land rezoned from single-family residential to a general business zone, Blazek said.

That could take about six weeks and would require a public hearing. The City Council and planning and zoning commission would need to approve the change.

Developers are scheduled to give a presentation on the project on Tuesday at the Rockport-Fulton Area Chamber of Commerce meeting.

Diane Probst, chamber president and CEO, said the water park would draw tourists to the city and surrounding area and create more than 300 jobs.

"This just gives a bright outlook for 2009," Probst said. "It just really adds to the tourist experience."