Schlitterbahn details Cedar Park future

CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) - New details emerged Friday about a $360 million water resort that will soon greet drivers along FM 1431 and Parmer Lane in Cedar Park.

Schlitterbahn officials say that in addition to the resort, the more than 90-acre area will also include a riverwalk, convention center, hotel, and plenty of retail space. The work will be done in phases, set for completion in May 2012.

Cedar Park City Council approved the project on Thursday.

Water park developers will fund the majority of the project, though the city of Cedar Park will pay $6 million for infrastructure improvements. Several residents spoke out at Thursday's council meeting before the approval vote, suggesting the move would create too much traffic for nearby neighborhoods.

Some business owners said the economic boost to the community would outweigh any potential problems. "It's a Grind" Coffee House owner David Siebold pointed out recent projects like the 183A tollway and the Cedar Park Center, which houses the new Texas Stars hockey team.

"We've already seen so many people come to Cedar Park just for those things," Siebold said. "It's been great for business. Who knows? Maybe with this water park, we can get the city and Capital Metro to put in a stop here, too."

Schlitterbahn already operates a very successful water park in New Braunfels, about an hour and a half away. Another water park, Blu Bambu, is set to open about a half hour away in Pflugerville sometime next year.