JEFF HYMAN AT COOPERSTOWN FUN PARK

Proposed Waterpark Scale

Won't Be 'Overwhelming' 

Developer, Visiting Prospective Site,

Says Market Study Guarantees Success

By JIM KEVLIN • for www.AllOTSEGO.com

COOPERSTOWN – It’s going to be big, but not as big as the maximum build-out in the Hotel & Leisure Advisors market study.

H&LA’s report, released on Wednesday, estimated a year-’round waterpark development planned in Hartwick Seminary could fill 400 rooms.   Jeff Hyman is planning 200 rooms, the principal of Hyman Hemispheric, the development firm, said in an interview and on-site tour this afternoon.

H&LA concluded the market can support an 80,000-square-foot indoor waterpark.  For now, Hyman is planning 30,000-35,000 square feet, about the size of Six Flag’s operation near Lake George.  (Because of Dreams Park’s seasonal demand, another 5-8 acres of water park is planned outdoors.)

So the H&LA estimated $1 billion of economic impact on the county over the next 10 years, and $16 million in annual taxes, will be somewhat less.  But Hyman estimates the impact will be greater than the proportionate size, since the initial development will be more profitable than the potential build out.