The Sun Sentinel is reporting that plans are moving forward to redevelop the old baseball stadium near the Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport into a hotel and water park complex. The stadium was home to the Baltimore Orioles during their spring training. The Orioles moved to Sarasota last December, which left the space vacant.

On Tuesday, city commissioners voted to negotiate a deal with Schlitterbahn Development Group that will bring a hotel and water park complex similar or nicer than the 'Atlantis' in the Bahamas. The project is estimated to cost near $110 million and is estimated to draw around 10,000 visitors a day. Schlitterbahn claims that this property will be Ft. Lauderdale's 2nd largest attraction (one down from the beach) and it will be the only one of its kind in the US. The project involves NO PUBLIC TAX DOLLARS..which is great news. Developers also say that the park would have an economic impact to the area of around $250 million a year.

The plans call for a water-based conveyor system that would circulate the park…which sounds like a lazy river type ride. There would also 'pool-to-pool' slides and a network of rapids that is supposed to bring the thrill of a rollercoaster. Wave pools will also be included in the fun along with five pools for kids and two pools for volleyball and basketball. Most of the stadium will be demolished with part of it being transformed into a castle-like tower to greet guests at the park's entrance.

They also plan to have some cool things for sports fans. A virtual golf, baseball and softball simulators will be set up for park visitors. There also are plans to have up to four athletic fields on the edge of the property that will allow for intramural team use.

While the admission price of the park is not officially set yet…developers are saying it will be $39.95 for the day with some discounts available. The hotel will have around 300 rooms with prices ranging from $150 - $1,000 a night.

Schlitterbahn isn't new to the water park business. They have water parks in Kansas and Texas and has had a hand in developing a water park in Dubai and the recent expansion of Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas.

I personally think this could be a good move for the area. South Florida and Ft. Lauderdale/Miami need more attractions to bring in the tourists and keep the locals. While we love our beaches…more attractions and activities off the beach seem like a logical move. This should be interesting to see if this project actually pans out.