PRESTON, CT and OCEAN CITY, MD; MASHANTUCKET, CT (October 14, 2021) — This week, outdoor hospitality, and development leader Blue Water submitted plans for a proposed recreational campground resort on the land located near the intersection of Routes 2 and 164 near Avery Pond in Preston. Both the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe – who has owned the land since 1994 – and Foxwoods Resort Casino are working closely with Blue Water to help plan the proposed destination.
The envisioned family-focused park will echo many of the successful campground resorts designed and developed by Blue Water over the past 20 years. To date, Blue Water has completed eight projects of similar size and scope across states from Maine to Florida. Partnerships include well-known brands such as KOA (Kampgrounds of America), Jellystone Parks, as well as private brands such as Massey’s Landing.
Submitted plans include a variety of camping sites, pool, waterslide, and splash pad; tennis and volleyball courts; camp store and pavilion. The campground will be serviced by a governmental water supply and sanitary sewer discharge system provided by The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. There will be no discharge of sanitary sewer waste on the project site; or, for that matter, within the jurisdictional limits of the Town of Preston.
“We have waited many years to find the best use and environmentally-conscious partner for this property as we look to thoughtfully enhance our resort experiences,” shared Jason Guyot, President and Chief Executive Officer of Foxwoods Resort Casino. “Blue Water has an exceptional track record of designing resorts that feature and maintain natural settings. We look forward to moving through the planning and approval process together.”
The team at Blue Water first met with residents of the Avery Pond Neighborhood in June of this year. Integrating community input, plans were updated and submitted for review by Inlands, Wetlands and Watercourses Commission for the Town of Preston. Plans will also be reviewed by the Town’s Planning and Zoning Commission. “We are very respectful of the process in each of our communities,” shares Todd Burbage, co-founder of Blue Water and the host of June’s information session. “We start with a vision, and we share this vision with all stakeholders. Our goal, repeatedly, is to build quality relationships while building a quality resort.” (Cont’d)
With a record number of recreational vehicles sold this past year as Americans took to the road and made their own adventures, the timing of this project offers a positive economic impact — from locally-sourced construction jobs and supplies to a longer visitor experience when the proposed park opens.
“Visitors who camp, visit for an extended stay,” shares Tony Sheridan, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut. “For many years our tourism efforts have focused on encouraging visitors to go beyond a one-day engagement. Today’s recreational vehicles are elegant, often representing a significant investment. These travelers stay at one park for up to 3.5 days. For the greater Mystic region this means a quality consumer – one interested in staying and exploring — while spending more time and more dollars, locally.
For further updates on this project or more information about Blue Water visit www.bwdc.com.