Making Waves
Massive $250 million water park and resort slides into Austin area

This news will make waves: A massive water park and convention center is coming to Central Texas. In a joint announcement on Wednesday, the City of Round Rock and Kalahari Resorts and Conventions revealed plans for a family-friendly resort across from Dell Diamond, slated to open in 2020.
Kalahari is a family-owned chain of African-themed water parks with locations in Wisconsin, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The Round Rock plans include an indoor and outdoor water park, around 1,000 guest rooms, and plenty of conference space, as well as amenities — spa facilities, fitness centers, restaurants, and stores — found at other Kalahari locations.
"We are incredibly excited to bring our authentically African resort experience to the Southwest for the first time," said Kalahari owner Todd Nelson in a press release. "The City of Round Rock has been incredibly welcoming, and we look forward to finalizing plans to officially become a part of this great community."
"This game-changing project will be a great benefit to our community, continuing our efforts to diversify the local economy," echoed Round Rock Mayor Alan McGraw.
Kalahari intends to invest at least $250 million in the project, which will also generate new job opportunities for local residents. Before construction can begin, Kalahari's proposal must be approved by the Round Rock City Council.