Construction underway for Owa, a theme park and destination resort next to an existing sports complex in Foley, Ala.
There is some “big water” coming soon to Foley, Ala., when a 520-plus acre master-planned destination resort opens in summer 2017 near the state’s most popular beaches.
The development name of Owa translates to “big water” in the Muscogee Creek language and refers to the 14-acre lake at the center of the unique project that will feature a themed amusement park, a 150-room Marriott Town Place Suites hotel, and a wide selection of restaurant and shopping opportunities. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians unveiled the plans Nov. 2 for the family-friendly tourist destination that is projected to bring one million new visitors to Alabama.
“We had a bold vision of what could happen here that started a few years ago when we were approached by a developer,” said Stephanie Bryan, tribal chair/CEO, Poarch Band of Creek Indians. “We have a track record of successful development in rural Alabama and so this project excited us.”
The development is adjacent to a $40-million sports tourism complex that features 16 state-of-the-art outdoor fields and a 90,000-square-foot indoor events center that is also scheduled to open in the summer of 2017.
The project is a five-year, multiphase build-out with the first and second phases currently under construction. The initial work includes the hotel construction, 154,000 square feet of retail, dining and entertainment space, a 14-acre themed amusement park and the 14-acre lake with 1.5-acre island that will include a 300-seat outdoor amphitheater and boathouse, boat rentals and fountain shows. Phase One and Phase Two investment is $241 million with a total capital investment for all phases of more than $500 million.
“The project is being built in several phases, so when complete, the total costs will be more than $500 million that is a combined effort between the Tribe and the City of Foley,” Bryan said.
Future planned phases include a luxury RV resort, four hotels including one which will offer conference space, a resort-level condominium and outdoor water park.
As much as anything, the economic impact following the completion of phase one will definitely be felt. According to an Owa fact sheet, the average increase to Baldwin County’s economic output will be $244 million, a figure that equates to an additional 7% of all tourist spending in the South Alabama region. An average increase of $78.5 million in payroll to the South Alabama region is also predicted. Employment (both direct and indirect) will increase to 3,462 full-time equivalents with the greatest number of jobs created in the service and trades industry.
“We believe in small-town Alabama,” Bryan said. “This will provide jobs, economic development and entertainment. This is what we do and we will do it right.”
Bryan added that after all phases of the project are complete employment will average 2,072 per year.
“For every visitor, Owa will provide a top-notch experience,” added Tim Martin, president of Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority, the Tribe’s business entity charged with developing the property. “It is an added benefit that families who come to Foley for sporting events will also have all of Owa’s offerings available to them. We believe that this is a winning combination that will have families coming back to Alabama for years to come.”
Bryan said that the development in connection with the sports complex fills a need for the area and a project that will celebrate itsm rural roots.
“The development is interconnected to the City of Foley’s sports tourism facilities, and because the sports fields are right next to Owa, sports families who come here because of a tournament will have food, lodging, shopping and other fun all in the same place.”
The development is welcome in a part of the state located nine miles from Gulf shores and Orange Beach that already hosts 6.2-million visitors each year. The extra one million expected from Owa is a significant addition to an area that is already very popular. It is the something-for-everyone aspect that has Bryan excited.
“Owa will have something for everyone from retail, dining and entertainment space to an amusement park,” she said.
Interviewed for this article: Stephanie Bryan, (251) 368-9136; Tim Martin, (251) 368-0819