Community members gathered on Sunday at the proposed water park site on N. University Drive to reveal an updated sign showcasing recent fundraising efforts. “We are currently less than $600,000 away from our goal,” said Judy McDonald, co-chair of the Water Park committee.  “We want to make this a reality so our residents can have their feet in the water by the summer of 2015.” City officials hope to reach the goal no later than July 2014, so that construction can begin in the fall. The total investment for the facility is $8,000,000, with Kingdom Perspectives, LLC leveraging $5,700,000. The City is currently raising private funds for a contribution of $2,300,000 of which $1,700,000 has been raised to date.

Johnny Blevins, owner of Splash Kingdom Waterparks was on hand as well as “Smiley the Shark”, Councilwoman Shelley Brophy and Mayor Roger Van Horn to welcome children from the community to the proposed 7+ acre site. The proposed facility is expected to generate $225,000 in new salaries, and bring in approximately 40,000 visitors from outside of Nacogdoches per season. Those who are interested in finding out more information on the public-private partnership can visit www.nacwaterworks.com for all of the details. Donations are tax deductible and a pledge form can also be found online. You can also follow us on facebook @Nacwaterworks.