On March 7, the Metropolitan Council finalized a $13.8 million incentives package for Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center’s newest addition, waterpark SoundWaves.
The package, voted to advance in February, will include a level property tax after this year’s appraisal until 2025 and a six year extension on $1 million in tax rebates, according to the Tennessean. The Tennessean also reported that Opryland will give Metro land located at 2400 and 2410 McGavock Pike as avenues of Cumberland boat access for the public.
The waterpark was announced by Opryland officials in January. The luxurious complex will consist of an indoor and outdoor section, both filled with exclusive entertainment for Opryland guests. It will be designed by Blur Workshop, a renowned design firm.
The indoor section of Soundwaves will be surrounded by an atrium and tropical landscaping. The lower level of the indoor section will include a rapid and lazy river, activity lagoon, a double flow ride, rock climbing and waterfalls. It will also include a restaurant, sun deck and an adult-only level that includes a pool. The indoor section will be open year-round, regardless of outdoor weather conditions.
The outdoor section of SoundWaves will feature 45.5-foot slide tower, a 315,000 gallon wave pool, a kiddie pool with play structures and a massive LED movie screen. The outdoor section is expected to have an adult-only pool and thrill rides. Each summer, different outdoor activities and live musical entertainment will be planned. More features will be announced as the water park complex continues to develop.
According to Ryman Hospitality CEO Colin Reed, the project has been in the works for a couple of years now. Since the closing of the amusement park Opryland USA, Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center has seen a decline in hotel occupancy during the summer. The water park complex is expected to generate major revenue during the summer months.
“This really, truly will be the first luxury water park of its kind in the United States of America…This is a water park in steroids” Reed said.
The water park complex will cover 217,000 square feet and cost around $90 million. The construction process is estimated to provide 1,300 jobs and Soundwaves will generate around 700 permanent jobs upon opening. SoundWaves will not only have an economically impact on the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, but Nashville as well. The water park complex is expected to generate $4.6 million a year in taxes alone.
SoundWaves is currently set to open in Fall 2018.
