A new entertainment complex is starting to take shape just north of Columbus, a venue that developers say will rival Kings Island and Cedar Point in size and scope.
Construction on the $2 billion, 350-acre venue hasn't started yet - that's still several months away - but developers have been releasing new details on the project they dub Planet Oasis, to be built on a large swath of land in fast-growing Delaware County, just off I-71.
Among its many features: a saltwater lake with a beach and boardwalk; an indoor roller coaster; an extreme-sports facility for surfing, skateboarding and BMX biking; an e-sports arena; and a health and wellness center.
Blue Horseshoe Ventures in nearby New Albany, is in the process of buying the property, mostly farmland, at the intersection of I-71 and exit 131 (U.S. 36/Ohio 37). It has yet to submit final plans for the project to either Berkshire Township or Delaware County, though that should happen in the next week or two, Glimcher said. The company also needs to complete a traffic study of the area.
In recent weeks, it has released new details about the development, originally announced in June. Here's what's planned:
* A massive entertainment zone, developed by UltraStar Multi-tainment, an anchor tenant, featuring bowling, laser tag, an upscale movie theater, an indoor roller coaster and more.
* A 30,000-square-foot arena devoted to the growing electronic sports (e-sports) industry, where competitive video gamers can compete against each other in front of a live audience. In recent years, Columbus has emerged as a Midwestern hub in the growing field, but this venue will dwarf anything that currently exists in the state.
* A facility for extreme sports, including BMX biking, climbing, skateboarding and surfing.
* A health and wellness center, Bloom, focusing on holistic and alternative medical treatments; a conference center; up to 20 hotels, 75 restaurants, live music venues and more.
