By: Lisa Coleman

I was doing my usual surfing for blog topics and I came across this press release. My first thought:  “that’s interesting.” My next thought, “enough is enough.” I guess I just don’t understand the need to build an amusement park in Cozumel. It breaks my heart when the lure of money pushes all concern for nature and preservation to the back burner. I fully embrace the educational aspect of “Mayan Adventure,” but the “man-made beach,” and “indoor/outdoor high speed roller coaster” are a bit much, don’t you think?

A man-made beach?  That is code for “we destroyed acres and acres of natural landscape and moved sand to accommodate more people.”  What’s up with that?  The entire island of Cozumel is only 26 miles long and 9 miles wide and is already stuffed with over a million daily cruise ship passengers a year.

There is only one town and the reef system (considered one of the most beautiful in the world) has already suffered considerable damage from the influx of divers and boaters. 

This is my favorite quote:
Henny Watts, Owner/CEO ReMax Cozumel, said: “This is a great opportunity for Cozumel. It helps put Cozumel on the map and allows tourist to see how much of a beautiful jewel Cozumel really is“.

I’m not seeing it. To me, this only serves to further destroy what is left of this “beautiful jewel.” You be the judge, but I think the last thing Cozumel needs is a mini Disneyland that expects 1.4 million visitors a year.

Here you go:
Cozumel Government Partners With Elated Worldwide Group in Plans to Develop And Build the First Amusement Park in Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel looks to ensure its place in the tourist trade by partnering with Elated Worldwide Group Corporation of San Diego California on this project. “Mayan Adventures“, will be built on 60 acres in one of the top tourist destinations in Mexico. The conceptual master plan is currently being developed in two phases, with the initial ground breaking in spring of 2009.

The first phase of the project will be a water park attraction, expected to be operational by summer of 2010 and will be the island of Cozumel’s first water park. There are nine various water attractions planned ranging from a children’s pirates play structure and a relaxing man-made beach area, to a thrilling white water rapids inner-tube ride for the true adrenaline fans
With an expected opening of summer 2012, the second phase of “Mayan Adventures” theme park will include one thrill ride, three indoor/outdoor high speed coaster rides, an indoor and an outdoor stage show as well as enriching educational presentations on the Mayan culture. The rides are new and unique, developed specifically for “Mayan Adventures”, incorporating cutting edge technology.

Additionally, Elated Worldwide Group will undoubtedly decrease unemployment and generate increased international corporate sponsorship opportunities for the area. Projected attendance of visitors to the park is 1.4 million annually.

Henny Watts, Owner/CEO ReMax Cozumel, said: “This is a great opportunity for Cozumel. It helps put Cozumel on the map and allows tourist to see how much of a beautiful jewel Cozumel really is“.

DKY Architects of Irvine California and Elated Worldwide Group will also work together to integrate their expertise to create new and exciting concepts in areas, such as introducing branded restaurants, hotels and retail outlets that will holistically offer unique travel and vacation opportunities for tourists, families and visitors from around the world.
Alexander Evans, Executive Consultant of Strategic Development for Elated, said: “We are very excited about concept master plan that will facilitate other works to commence. The project will be one of the key additions to Cozumel tourism.”