by Cory Woodroof | Jan 30, 2012 | News Slider
If you talk to any longtime Nashvillian, the word “Opryland” holds a feeling of earnest admiration. In May 1972, Opryland USA opened its doors to the public, two years ahead of the legendary Grand Ole Opry House. For about twenty five years, the “Home for American Music” entertained guests with its carnival-like attractions, live music shows, and thrilling roller-coasters until 1997. That year, the park closed a variety of different factors. Now, those who have longed for an amusement park to take the place of the revered Opryland might just get their wish. Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Company, in collaboration with Gaylord Entertainment Company, is bringing a water/snow themed park to Nashville. The new theme park will host a variety of water-oriented attractions in the summertime and feature authentic snow for recreational enjoyment in the winter. Parton, via press release, expressed enthusiasm towards the announcement. “I’m so excited about this opportunity,” Dolly Parton said. “I am confident that partnering my Dollywood Company with a great company like Gaylord will create something truly special. We’re all working on new types of entertainment to do in the daytime and nighttime for the whole family so we bring new folks to the area year round.” The 50 million dollar project will break ground sometime between the end of this year and the beginning of 2013 with a planned opening of summer 2014. The new park is expected to employ 450 workers. The first-of-its-kind attraction, soon to be located closely to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel, is the first anchor in an overall plan that could involve future development. Tennessee governor Bill Haslam gave insight...
by Tyler Lallathin | Dec 2, 2010 | News Slider
“Lake Lipscomb,” as some informally call the planned water feature by the baseball field and tennis courts, had too much water for its own good. While developing the retention pond into a lake area, complete with fountain, builders discovered an underground spring. So a plan had to be developed to deal with this excess “live” water source before continuing the development. “Several design changes had to be made,” said Tom Wood, director of campus enhancement. He said that new equipment had to be ordered to handle the spring water so that the lake can be completed. Once the equipment arrives to deal with the unexpected water source, the contractors will be able to continue their construction of the lake. Wood explains that when it’s completed, plans call for the area to include “added landscaping and eventually a variety of seating areas and other potential enhancements for student and community enjoyment.” The cascading fountain planned for the lake will be 36 feet high. The lake will also provide irrigation for all of campus when it is finished, by pumping water from underground into the lake, and then on to irrigate campus. The lake also will serve as a learning opportunity for students to enrich themselves in knowledge of plant species and the biological aspects of the area. Campus enhancement is on track to have the lake finished in January 2011, weather permitting. “There is also some discussion about providing the lake with fish,” said Wood. Lipscomb will continue to grow and improve the look of its campus. The next plan to enhance campus is a fountain and baptistry in Bison...
