NEW: Developer plans water park at St. Louis Mills

By Scott Bandle

A company has introduced plans to build a combination water park and hotel on a site next to the St. Louis Mills, off Highway 370.

The Splash Universe Water Park Resort would feature an indoor water park, 150 hotel rooms, restaurants, gift shops, party rooms and other attractions.

At Wednesday's Hazelwood City Council meeting, Focus Hospitality Service sought approval of an ordinance to amend zoning regulations for the site.

"The resort is designed for children ages 2 to 14," said Robert Churchfield, vice president of development for Focus. "We want to make this a getaway vacation for a weekend. Splash Universe is totally family oriented."

The 30,000-square-foot park would accommodate 650 people.

Developers said the resort's annual attendance would be 120,000 people, with about 60 percent coming from outside of the area. Most of the tourists will stay for two to three days. The resort will generate about 150 jobs, Churchfield said.

The council approved the first reading of the ordinance. The second reading is set for the May 16 meeting.

The opening of the Cabela's sporting goods store drew Focus Hospitality to the site, Churchfield said.

The company hopes to start work in August and have it finished by August 2008.

Reach Scott Bandle at sbandle@yourjournal.com.