Ski Area Plans to Build Water Park

Lower  Towamensing Township, Carbon County - Plans are in the works for a brand new water park in the Poconos. Blue Mountain Ski Area plans to break ground on the "Summit Splash" park in April.

It will be 19 acres on top of the mountain. Blue Mountain President Barbara Green said it will have a local history theme with rides related to coal, trains, and canals. She said, "Instead of a lazy river we are talking about calling at a canal, we haven't picked a name yet."

The project will cost about $20million. It is expected to help the resort generate business for a hotel that owners also plan to build on the site. Green added, "What that allows us to do is have more full time people which I am really looking forward to."

Green estimates summer business will add 60 full time jobs and about 400 part time positions.

Some people have questioned if the Pocono Region can sustain another water park when there are already four open, and several more in the works. Green noted that the Wisconsin Dells have many parks in a small area. She said, "I think it's gonna be great for the Pocono region if we do become known as, here is the place to go for waterparks."

Blue Mountain managers plan to open "Summit Splash" in the next 2-5 years.