Waterpark May be Built in Orange County

GOSHEN – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus announced recently, that Great Wolf Resorts, Inc., North America’s largest family of indoor waterpark resorts, is interested in building a Great Wolf Lodge in Southern Orange County.

The centerpiece attraction at every Great Wolf Lodge is the expansive family-friendly indoor waterpark featuring a collection of water slides, pools and play areas designed specifically for kids of every age.

“I’ve had productive conversations about this project with leadership from Great Wolf Lodge throughout the past year. I’m optimistic that they will choose to build their 20th waterpark in Orange County,” Neuhaus said. “Great Wolf Lodge is a respected, family-friendly venue and will complement some of the wonderful tourist destinations that are here or are coming to the Hudson Valley. This park would be a major economic draw for the region and reinforce the important partnership between our tourism and economic development efforts.”

“Great Wolf Resorts is experiencing a period of incredible growth and as we continue to expand our paw print with new resorts throughout the United States, we see the metro New York market as an area that offers tremendous future potential,” added Murray Hennessy, Chief Executive Office of Great Wolf Resorts. “Orange County is an ideal location for a potential Great Wolf Lodge with its close proximity to New York City and family-friendly environment. We’re looking forward to continued dialogue with local government officials, as well as future engagement with the local community.”

According to Neuhuas, Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. is interested in a handful of sites in Southern Orange County. The Great Wolf Lodge waterpark and hotel would create about 500 jobs locally.

Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. currently has 17 locations across North America and best-known for their expansive indoor waterparks and family-focused attractions. Beyond the waterparks, families can explore a host of other attractions, including ropes courses, arcade games, and other family activities. Great Wolf Lodge also offers MagiQuest, a mystical adventure game in which players use interactive magic wands to discover relics and runes needed to defeat goblins and dragons.

Great Wolf Lodge also offers a diverse array of restaurant options, including Barnwood, a new farm-to-fork restaurant concept. In addition, the restaurant kitchens at Great Wolf Lodge are completely nut-free, easing concerns of parents who have children with nut allergies.

“The fact that Great Wolf Lodge is considering coming to Orange County speaks volumes for the reputation that we have developed as a premier tourist destination and a County that is truly open for business,” Chairman of the Orange County Legislature Steve Brescia said. “I support the County Executive in his efforts to land this project. It is an excellent opportunity for Orange County and it would be a major economic draw for the region and make.”

“I think this would be a wonderful opportunity for Blooming Grove, Orange County and the Hudson Valley,” added Town of Blooming Grove Supervisor Rob Jeroloman. “It will further enhance our ability to attract tourists to a well-established, family friendly venue. Although this project is in the preliminary stages, we are optimistic.”