Plans for ‘staycation’ paradise AquaWorld in Prescott get mixed reviews among locals

There are plans to build a large water-park resort and convention centre in Prescott, but some in the area find the idea less appealing than others.

Developers for AquaWorld Resort and Convention Centre want to build on a 260-acre property located on Merwin Lane just south of Highway 401.

While some locals are excited for the economic boost, some like Mary Peterson fear the potential large-scale attraction could change their way of life.

Peterson has lived in her house on Merwin Lane for the last 50 years. That house happens to be on the other side of the highway, across from the proposed resort site, and for some of her neighbours, the project would be right next to their backyard.

So Peterson started a petition against the development. She says the signers are not opposed to the entire project, just the location.

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“I know the young people need something to do in the area, and we need the money coming in from something like this. But not in this peaceful residential area,” says Peterson.

For those who oppose the project, there seem to be three main points of contention — the increase in traffic volume, noise levels and the water usage.

Those complaints have not gone over the head of AquaWorld’s founder, Stefano Ferrante, who asks that people trust the process and come to the town hall meeting should the zoning application go through.

“Wait until that meeting, listen to all the facts and I can assure you that the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.”

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Some of those advantages Ferrante listed are the 300 to 400 full-time or part-time jobs created when the resort is in operation. Ferrante also promises another 1,000 construction jobs during the build. The total cost of the build is estimated to $115 million.

Phil Wood, who lives nearby the site, has become engaged in the conversation over AquaWorld. He started a Facebook group in support of the build.

He says the economic benefits are only one of the reasons why he would be happy for AquaWorld to come to Prescott.

“This is a great place to live and I think there is a resurgence of young people having children. I have three myself and they’re all three young boys under the age of five so for me I’m thinking, ‘Oh jackpot.'”

The zoning permits are currently under review. Developers expect that process to be finished in the coming weeks.