An overhead “cableway” system would pull skiers and wake boarders. (Image courtesy of Doug Hackman)
Before it had a chance to make a splash, a planned 24-acre water sports development was nixed by Chesterfield County.
Doug Hackman, his wife and several other investors had planned to build LasOlas Water Sports and Events Park on 24 acres the Hackmans own on Newby’s Bridge Road near the 288 interchange. They were aiming to open by spring.
But they couldn’t get the plan through the county planning commission and the board of supervisors, which unanimously denied the project after a lengthy debate among residents at a meeting June 26.
“Things went badly,” Hackman said. “The county agenda is obviously not pro-business or anywhere near that.”
Doug Hackman makes his presentation in May to the Chesterfield County Planning Commission. Click the image above to watch the presentation.
Proposed in three phases, the development was to include a 7.5-acre lake on which a cable tow system would pull riders like a ski boat, a wave machine, two restaurants, retail space, an entertainment pavilion, and, ultimately, a tropical-themed hotel.
The planning commission on May 21 recommended the venture’s initial zoning application be denied, largely because of traffic and utility concerns.
After more than a dozen speakers at the supervisors meeting, some in favor of LasOlas and some against it, the board agreed with the commission.
The consensus among the county’s leaders was that the plan for the park was great but that the proposed location wasn’t feasible.
“I applaud you for being outstanding entrepreneurs,” Supervisor Jim Holland said to the Hackmans during the meeting. “Your project is excellent for families in our counties, because, think about it – who doesn’t love water?
“However, the question is: Where is the key location for this project?”
The park would use a system of six 35-foot metal towers with a system of overhead cables to tow riders around the lake for wake boarding, water skiing and knee boarding.
The full concept, which Hackman said could likely be done over five years, would have more than 8,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space and a hotel of up to 54 rooms.
Hackman said the plan is in limbo.
Hackman can appeal the county’s decision. But he might look for another location.
“At this point, I’m just totally disgusted with them,” Hackman said. “I don’t think they deserve my project.”
He said alternative locations include Virginia Beach and Northern Virginia, as well as some out-of-state spots.
“We’re not giving up,” he said.
A tropical-themed hotel was part of the park’s long-term vision. (Image courtesy of Doug Hackman)
An overhead “cableway” system would pull skiers and wake boarders. (Image courtesy of Doug Hackman)
Before it had a chance to make a splash, a planned 24-acre water sports development was nixed by Chesterfield County.
Doug Hackman, his wife and several other investors had planned to build LasOlas Water Sports and Events Park on 24 acres the Hackmans own on Newby’s Bridge Road near the 288 interchange. They were aiming to open by spring.
But they couldn’t get the plan through the county planning commission and the board of supervisors, which unanimously denied the project after a lengthy debate among residents at a meeting June 26.
“Things went badly,” Hackman said. “The county agenda is obviously not pro-business or anywhere near that.”
Doug Hackman makes his presentation in May to the Chesterfield County Planning Commission. Click the image above to watch the presentation.
Proposed in three phases, the development was to include a 7.5-acre lake on which a cable tow system would pull riders like a ski boat, a wave machine, two restaurants, retail space, an entertainment pavilion, and, ultimately, a tropical-themed hotel.
The planning commission on May 21 recommended the venture’s initial zoning application be denied, largely because of traffic and utility concerns.
After more than a dozen speakers at the supervisors meeting, some in favor of LasOlas and some against it, the board agreed with the commission.
The consensus among the county’s leaders was that the plan for the park was great but that the proposed location wasn’t feasible.
“I applaud you for being outstanding entrepreneurs,” Supervisor Jim Holland said to the Hackmans during the meeting. “Your project is excellent for families in our counties, because, think about it – who doesn’t love water?
“However, the question is: Where is the key location for this project?”
The park would use a system of six 35-foot metal towers with a system of overhead cables to tow riders around the lake for wake boarding, water skiing and knee boarding.
The full concept, which Hackman said could likely be done over five years, would have more than 8,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space and a hotel of up to 54 rooms.
Hackman said the plan is in limbo.
Hackman can appeal the county’s decision. But he might look for another location.
“At this point, I’m just totally disgusted with them,” Hackman said. “I don’t think they deserve my project.”
He said alternative locations include Virginia Beach and Northern Virginia, as well as some out-of-state spots.
“We’re not giving up,” he said.
A tropical-themed hotel was part of the park’s long-term vision. (Image courtesy of Doug Hackman)
–“Things went badly,” Hackman said. “The county agenda is obviously not pro-business or anywhere near that.” –“At this point, I’m just totally disgusted with them,” Hackman said. “I don’t think they deserve my project.” Speaking of disgusting, these comments are pretty disgusting. Just because things didn’t go your way doesn’t mean the county is not pro-business. The supervisors have a responsibility to act in the best interest of the county as a whole and it’s residents and to consider the impact that this project will have on neighbors and county resources. This whiny, entitled attitude is really unfitting for an… Read more »
Hackmans.. how about Carolina Crossroads on I95 at NC/VA state line—The area would love to have your business…
I’ve been following this story, and as an avid wakeboarder who worked in the local industry for many years, I am very sorry this got shot down. Wakeboarding is awesome, but it is expensive to own a boat between buying it, up-keep, and gas. Just put $75.00 worth of gas in mine yesterday. With industry leaders like Glass and Powder (which I worked for) who threw grass roots tournaments, and had demo days (at one time weekly), falling by the wayside, it is hard to find a pull unless you own, or know someone who owns a boat. Ski Center,… Read more »
I wish this article had gone into a little more detail about why the project was denied. Has anyone here ever been on Newby’s Bridge Rd? There’s no way it could support a large retail development as it is, much less a water park.
The most important thing though, that this article didn’t even mention, is that there is no water line to this area. For the first year, the estimate was that they would use rainwater to fill the pools. Not exactly a water park I want to go to.
I’m inclined to agree with Jay, just because the county lays out completely valid arguments for why they don’t want the water park built in that location doesn’t make them anti-business. When Mr. Hackman makes comments like that and how disgusted he is with the county he is just burning his bridges. With an entitled attitude like that I don’t know if I’d want his company operating in the county either. Again like I’ve said before (and it seems like the C.C. Board of Supervisors concurred) great idea, terrible location.
He was obviously advised by County Staff that it would not be supported. It would have included that it wasn’t in line with the Master Plan, traffic issues, no utilities, etc. It’s obvious that his business plan wasn’t complete and he’d probably be closed within a year. After that, all the neighbors would need to look at the towers and deal with the mosquito infested “lake” for years to come. Find a property that is already zoned, has good access and has utilities in place if you want to proceed.