A Slide Upward

Since the early days of the old Save Fitchburg, I've advocated for that one big idea. That one thing that would be unique to Fitchburg in the region, something that would bring people into the city -- preferably in some kind of participatory fashion.

It appears as of one of the "big ideas" is on the path to reality, and it's probably the best, most exciting news since the SF started.

The city is working with a developer on creating an indoor water park at the Best Western on the interchange of Routes 2 and 31. It's the kind of regional attraction that Fitchburg -- and any city -- would kill for.

The developer wants to buy the property and boost the hotel's numbers (which are at like 30 percent occupancy) with a year-round water slide park. A similar park was opened by the same company recently in Danvers.

The city is working on a tax financing package and some permitting issues, but so far most folks feel like this moving forward.

The park alone is a great step forward for the city. Consider the possibilities however -- perhaps a block of family-friendly restaurants nearby, a trickle-down into downtown and the rest of the city -- and this project is as clost to a must-do as you can find right now.

There will be criticisms. Joel Kaddy aired neighbors' concerns about traffic and noise. Considering it's all of a couple hundred yards from the exit, hopefully this isn't a major stumbling block. There will probably be some permitting and construction issues. The city should make sure those issues are cleared up and figured out quickly, but correctly. Finally, residents need to get over the knee-jerk cynicism and doubt that currently is inbred in Fitchburg. Someone wants to come here and open a sizable business. Let's not navel-gaze, let's make it happen.

This is exciting stuff, even for the most crusty Fitchburgite. It's a big step forward not just for the city, but for building the momentum of making progress in Fitchburg.