The Carida Capital Group said this evening that Roanoke Rapids will be home to one of the first Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterparks, which the partners said will become a key attraction within the planned Weldon Mills Resort.
Located along the I-95 corridor, Weldon Mills Resort is the forthcoming evolution of the Weldon Mills brand, which currently includes the Weldon Mills Theatre, the Carolina Crossroads Amphitheatre, Carolina Crossroads Motorsports, the six-time award-winning Weldon Mills Distillery.
The entire project represents a $500 million investment and is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs.
The resort will feature 600 rooms and a 10,000-square-foot ballroom. Additionally, the Mattel Wonder waterpark will span 100,000 square feet and feature a retractable roof.
A 40,000-square-foot family entertainment center will include:
Bowling
An arcade
Laser tag
Rock climbing
A ropes course
Mini-golf
Sports simulators
Virtual reality rides
The development will also include a 75,000-square-foot convention center and sports complex, a feature fountain show, 20,000 square feet of retail space, and three full-service restaurants to complement the existing theater and amphitheater music offerings.
Carida Capital Group, owner of the existing Weldon Mills properties, is leading the expansion of the Carolina Crossroads entertainment district through the development of Weldon Mills Resort. “The project will transform the area into a tourism-driven destination centered around music, entertainment, and recreation, where guests can eat, play, and stay while creating lasting memories rooted in the spirit of North Carolina.”
Project Luong, leveraging its background in architecture and development, is serving as the lead developer and prime architect, “guiding the design and creation of immersive guest experiences through their unique perspective on destination projects.”
Bruce Tyler, co-founder of Weldon Mills Distillery and a partner in Carida Capital Group said, “We’re so excited to bring a Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterpark to Weldon Mills Resort. Evolving Weldon Mills alongside the power of Mattel’s iconic brands will quickly create a premiere destination that supports tourism, strengthens the local economy and delivers lasting value for Halifax County and the broader region.”
Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterparks will be immersive, year-round aquatic destinations that bring Mattel’s properties, like Barbie, Hot Wheels and more, to life as water-based attractions for all ages.
The waterparks will be developed in partnership with aquatic design firm Martin Aquatic, waterpark management firm American Resort Management, and Identity Group.
