Mesquite out, Mohave County in for water park

KINGMAN, Ariz. -- A unique enterprise mixing the attractions of a water park, tournament paintball fields, a roller rink and more is being relocated to northwest Arizona after the developer grew weary of obstacles in the Southern Nevada community of Mesquite.

Company President Tim Andrus said his Pirates Paradise project has been well-received by Mohave County planning and zoning and economic development officials.

"They were absolutely ecstatic about the project," Andrus said. "I mean, they were just like 'what do we need to do, where do we need to go, let's do this, let's do that,' and we actually got further with them in six days than we did in two years in Mesquite."

Andrus said he'll close escrow near the end of October on 38 acres off Interstate 15 in Beaver Dam/Littlefield where he'll develop Pirates Paradise. He said the venture will draw its customer base from the interstate, Las Vegas and St. George, Utah.

A water park that will cover at least 16 acres of the site is key to the development. It will include a lazy river, a wave pool, a variety of slides and a children's play area.

Andrus said an abundant aquifer on the property will supply the water.

The water park is expected to open next summer, Andrus said, but paintball fields that will host sanctioned tournaments should be ready early next year.

He said the roller rink, a business office and a paintball pro shop will be constructed within a 17,000-square-foot pirate ship-shaped structure.

"The way we have it designed, it will look like a pirate ship on grass," Andrus said.

He said the development will include a separate 18-unit inn and a Spanish-themed restaurant from which diners can overlook the water park.

Andrus said the development will generate beneficial tax revenue and provide as many as 140 jobs, which should help stimulate the economy.