Sale clears way for Fort Rapids waterpark development

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Following a sale approval by a Franklin County Probate Court judge, there is more optimism about what could be coming to a large Far East Side property that has been vacant for years.

“I think it's an eyesore right now, I think it's a breeding ground for drama and so something needs to be done with it," said Danella Hicks, the founder and executive director of All THAT - Teens Hopeful About Tomorrow, a non-profit on the East Side.

She was referring to the property of the former Fort Rapids Indoor Water Park and Hotel. It's hard to miss from I-70. Parts of the property are in bad shape, and it's been vacant since 2016. In 2018, a burst pipe led to millions of gallons of water flooding out of the hotel windows, and last year, there was a massive fire at the site. Hicks sees the property every day.

“When the fire happened, it's like, 'We need to do something before it gets even worse,'" she said. 

Developers' plans have been stalled by litigation. With the judge recently approving the sale, the plans to convert the property into hundreds of affordable housing units and a community services hub are a step closer to reality. The California-based developers are working with a local church on the project.

“I’m excited,” Hicks said. “I'm excited that there is a plan. I think for so long nothing was happening. And so, if someone's excited about coming here, doing something, bringing some housing, improving our community, I'm definitely interested in seeing it happen.”

Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin represents the district where the property sits.

“You've got to know this has been in court for a long time going back and forth, other folks have said they were going to buy it and not been able to move forward, so this really is a day of true hope," he said.

Hardin said housing is a priority for city leaders, so they welcome plans and ideas to help the issue.

“This could be a real linchpin in the east side's development, so this is a positive step in the right direction,” he said. “It still seems early, but that's why I lean on hope.”

The city is trying to work with local faith organizations to bring more housing to Columbus. Hardin said those looking to develop the former Fort Rapids site were at one of those discussions.