Dolphin Water Park in Miami ???

[PepeLePirate]

Hey folks:
I'm relatively new to the boards, but wanted to know if anyone knows if Disney has plans to build a water park right next to Miami's Metrozoo called "Dolphin Park". I have a friend who works for a large national builder, and they are including that as a "close ammenity" to their pamphlets for all their new development. Does anyone know anything about this?

 

[pooh6890]

I have heard the same thing from a few of our clients here in Miami. Problem is that Metrozoo is located right next to the Coast Guard Communications center for the S.E. portion of the U.S. I think they are having trouble obtaining that land. Personally, I am hoping it doesn't happen because I live directly across the street from Metrozoo and the traffic is a nightmore now. Don't even want to think about what would happen if a big waterpark was developed there.

 

[PepeLePirate]

Hi Pooh, thanks for responding; I spoke again with my friend a week ago or so, and apparently, the coast guard's housing complex will be moving soon close to Black Point Marina. Apparently, that's the land they are planning to use, I'm not sure. Also, I've heard that is the Six-flags people not Disney vying for the property. I heard something similar a few years back that they were going to do a big water park in homestead, but then of course nothing was built. I also live close to the zoo, and traffic is also my main concern; I mean is pretty bad as is already.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

See http://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/stories/2004/12/27/story1.html (may require registration)

Here are a couple of quotes from "Zoo entertainment park planned" in the December 24, 2004, issue of the South Florida Business Journal.

"By next spring, the county could start seeking developers for a water park and a family entertainment center."

"Development of a water park and family entertainment venue has been eyed for part of the zoo's underused parking area. In May 2003, the county acquired 135 acres from the Martinez Army Reserve and is in talks for an additional 300 acres from the U.S. Coast Guard reserve."​

The article doesn't suggest that Disney will have any part in this development. However, it could actually be a good opportubity for Disney. After all, Miami is great, underserved market for a quality water park, with the possibility of a long operating season compared to most other market areas. And Disney has the experience to do it well.

 

[PepeLePirate]

Thanks a lot for answering my query. Now I know I just need for my home value to go up, then right before the open the darn thing, I'll move out...

 

[pooh6890]

Thanks a lot for answering my query. Now I know I just need for my home value to go up, then right before the open the darn thing, I'll move out...

I just moved in!!!!! I love my place, it's brand new and I am very happy there. Oh well, what's a little more traffic. Miami could really use a big water park like that. Also, Metrozoo is such a wonderful zoo and since Hurricane Andrew I don't think it's ever gotten back to the capacity levels it used to have. Maybe this will help. I could get a part-time job right across the street in the summer (2 daughters in college and broke-city).

 

[PepeLePirate]

well Pooh, if they build it, hopefully people will come. Remember to what happened to all the other water parks here in south florida over the years.

But this sounds like a bigger project which includes a lot more than just that. I would really love for them to expand the gold coast railroad museum; my son loves that place, and I personally think it could use a face lift. So I really hope either re-do the turnpike exit, or add another exit....either way, traffic will probably double or triple if you add all the new houses being built west-ward getting close to krome......I just hope the county doesn't drop the ball like they do all the time.

 

[All Aboard]

Interesting. Decent access off the turnpike. Would 152nd street need to be widened? Would the market be mostly local, or would they think they could attract tourists down there. Isn't that why Parrot Jungle moved? Tourists not making the trek south? Does Metrozoo draw much tourist traffic?

Just a 6 mile drive for me, I'd be there if the place was nice.

 

[PepeLePirate]

the deal with parrot jungle was mostly that pinecrest wanted them out of their location, so they didn't renew the lease. Had nothing to do with the tourists getting there. If that was the case monkey jungle would have closed a long time ago...wait..aren't they closed??