Splash Valley Possible in Catoosa County

East Ridge's loss might be Catoosa County's gain.

Just when we thought the proposed water park for East Ridge was gone forever, tonight comes the big news that Splash Valley may have found a new nearby home.

A NewsChannel 9 investigative team has discovered the cancelled "Splash Valley" water park might be built after all, and developers say it will be much bigger than the one proposed in East Ridge.

Back in February, East Ridge and Hamilton County officials were excited about the revenue that would come from a water park proposed to be built in East Ridge. Then, developers ran into problems with wetlands at the Ringgold Road site.

"There just wan't enough property,"said Long. "You couldn't really expand anywhere, if they had to grow, they couldn't expand."

Then the project's biggest investor passed away. For all intents and purposes, the project was dead.

But NewsChannel 9 did some digging and learned that the Splash Valley idea is still alive... in the planning stages and on a much bigger scale.

Developer David Mayes told us he has a new investor.... one who sees a bigger future for Splash Valley, in a much, bigger location.

Long said, "The new investor decided to move it over towards Mack Smith Road by the interstate."

That's music to the ears of at least one Catoosa County commissioner, who says everybody in that county, had only heard rumors.

Ken Marks said, "That's a good location. You're close to Interstate access North, South, East and West, so it's just tremendous."

Kids and their parents close to Mack Smith Road are excited.

"It's going to be pretty cool," said Zachary Ziruet.

Lindy Stolphman said, "I am definitely looking forward to it. I'll take a van load."

Long says, he doesn't know if he'll be the new project's contractor. But he does say, Catoosa County won't be the only local government benefiting from the park's revenue.

"This is going to be huge for East Ridge as well," said Long.

Mayes would only say he is in the process of acquiring land, but he would not confirm the Mack Smith Road location.

Will Splash Valley be built in 2009?

Mayes told Calvin maybe, but until the land is bought, he doesn't know for sure.

Commissioner Marks said the water park would be a natural fit with Lake Winnepesaukah, just two miles away.