🏞️ How Great Wolf Lodge Resort In Jackson Changes Everything! 🏞️

Good Morning & Happy Sunday! So if you have lived in Jackson or the surrounding area for any amount of time you have heard about the indoor water park that is allegedly coming to Jackson. Trust me, everyone who has heard of it says allegedly as well! 😂 

In Today’s “HubCity Newsletter”:

• 500,000 Visitors Per Year 🎢 

• Jackson Would See A Surge In Tourism 🔝 

• What’s The Hold Up ❓️

• Update November 3rd 2024 🆕 

• Weekly Events For The Kids 🛝

• Weekly Events For The Whole Family 🎡 

Read Time: 3 - 5 Minutes

Jackson: The Rising City of West Tennessee

Jackson, Tennessee, also known as the Hub City, serves over 400,000 people daily for retail, employment, and entertainment. Although Jackson is not as large as Memphis, it plays a critical role in the region and is positioned to become the new epicenter of growth and development in West Tennessee. 💪

One of the most exciting concepts on the horizon for the Hub City’s future is the potential arrival of the Great Wolf Lodge Resort. Great Wolf Lodge, known for its indoor water parks and family-friendly attractions, estimates that each of their locations draws in over 500,000 visitors per year. This is almost 10 times the current population of Jackson and if the city secures this resort, it could be serving close to 1 million unique residents and visitors annually. This would be a total game changer for the Hub City and could elevate Jackson to a major player in shaping the growth of Tennessee.

🙌 The Positive Impact 🙌

Jackson’s BIGGEST Economic Boom

The influx of visitors would undoubtedly boost the local economy. More tourists mean more business for local shops, restaurants, and hotels. This, in turn, would create numerous job opportunities, from construction and hospitality to retail and entertainment. The economic ripple effect would be significant, providing a steady stream of income and stability for many Jackson residents.

The influx of visitors would undoubtedly boost the local economy. People from all over the country who may have never heard of Jackson, TN would visit for the very first time. This would help grow many local businesses like small mom and pop shops, local restaurants, hotels, and grow the entertainment options.

Hundreds of better paying job opportunities would emerge! Construction, Hospitality, Retail and Entertainment would be the biggest sector that would see explosive growth! 🚀 The economic ripple effect would be significant, providing a steady stream of income and stability for many Jackson residents.

Costco, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s OH MY!

Many of Jackson’s residents will openly say how they wish Jackson had a higher quality of shopping options so they wouldn’t have to go to Memphis, Nashville or further to meet their needs.
Hosting a major attraction like the Great Wolf Lodge would put Jackson on the map as a premier destination in West Tennessee. This heightened profile would attract further investments and developments. Which would foster a cycle of growth and prosperity, enhancing the city's recreational offerings, making it a must visit destination in Tennessee.

🚧 The Challenges 🚧

Infrastructure Strain

Jackson already has several traffic nightmare areas that people do their best to avoid already. YES, were talking about Vann Drive, North & South Highland and the 45 Bypass as well! 😅 An increase in visitors and residents would place additional strain on city infrastructure.

• Roads

• Public Transportation

• Public Services

Would need to be upgraded and expanded to accommodate the growing population. This would require one of the biggest infrastructure investments in Jackson’s history! Without this the quality of life in the city would rapidly start to deteriorate leading to their being “A Tale Of Two Jackson’s!” 🌇(One side of Jackson for the rich and the other for the poor.) 🏚️

Environmental Concerns

Large developments like the Great Wolf Lodge can have environmental impacts, from increased water and energy consumption to potential habitat disruption. Ensuring that the development is sustainable and environmentally friendly would be crucial to mitigating these negative effects.

🛑 The Current Hold-Up 🛑

Ok now this part May bore some so if that is you then please skip ahead to “Looking Forward”. 😅 
This is just speculation but if we had to guess, the hold up is probably interest rates and inflation! When Great Wolf Lodge & Resorts first made plans to expand into Jackson, (February 2020) interest rates and inflation were low.

Most businesses expand using loans! Right now interest rates and inflation are far too high to make this feasible for most businesses.
This may be why despite the clear benefits, the Great Wolf Lodge Resort has yet to break ground in Jackson. The current agreement stipulates that the resort must begin construction by the end of the year (2024), or the deal will be canceled. This delay has caused some concern among residents and city officials, as the window for making this transformative project a reality is closing.

🔮 Looking Forward 🔮

While many residents are filled with excitement, some are filled with frustration due to the many delays of the construction and others don’t care at all. But it's important to remember that this will impact all of us in the Hub City and we should be optimistic about Jackson's future. The city's potential as a hub of growth and development is undeniable. If the Great Wolf Lodge Resort project moves forward, it will mark the beginning of a new era for Jackson.

The positive economic impact, job creation, and enhanced city profile far outweigh the challenges and while there are hurdles to overcome, the future of Jackson looks bright. With careful planning and community involvement, Jackson can navigate these obstacles and emerge stronger than ever.

Let's continue to support and advocate for developments that will make Jackson a better place for everyone.

JULY 13th 2024 UPDATE: We previously mentioned that one of the main reasons we haven't heard any updates on Great Wolf Lodge is due to interest rates. Recently, the Federal Reserve (FED) announced that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation is trending downwards, causing the U.S. stock market to rally on Thursday. Many are now predicting that the FED may cut interest rates in September.

What does this mean for Great Wolf Lodge?

Our assessment is that many companies, including Great Wolf Lodge, are waiting for interest rate cuts to make borrowing money more feasible. High-interest rates have made borrowing expensive, and businesses are cautious about taking on new debt under these conditions.

While we can't say for certain that Great Wolf Lodge's decision will solely be based on interest rate cuts, it's likely a significant factor in their planning process.

November 3rd 2024 UPDATE: 

With less than 60 days left on the clock until the end of the year — and the extended contract between the City of Jackson and Great Wolf Lodge set to expire — many people in and around Jackson are beginning to write this project off as another missed opportunity.

Jackson, Madison County, and the State of Tennessee have each done their part to incentivize the development, signaling that West Tennessee is ready for major investment again.

However, with interest rates expected to drop as the Federal Reserve prepares another cut on November 6th, skepticism is growing that Great Wolf Lodge may still choose to pause, or abandon, the project altogether.

If the resort does come through, Great Wolf Lodge - Jackson would become one of the largest water parks in Tennessee, bringing in families from as far as Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City, Cleveland, Louisville, Nashville, and Little Rock.

Its massive footprint and unique indoor-outdoor offerings could attract an estimated 500,000 visitors annually, potentially generating over $10 million in local tax revenue. This boost would not only benefit Jackson’s economy but also support local businesses and city services, establishing Jackson as a regional tourism hotspot.

With these stakes, unless Great Wolf Lodge honors its commitment or extends negotiations into 2025, this project may be “dead in the water.”

While many residents are already voicing disappointment, others are poised to say, “I told you so.” Even so, a completed Great Wolf Lodge would be groundbreaking for Jackson, even if the opening gets delayed into next year!

(These are our thoughts and opinions based on the available information regarding Great Wolf Lodge.)

Alright Now Here’s Your Curated List Of Weekly Events Happening In & Around The Hub City! ❤️ Monday, May 27th - Sunday, June 2nd

Monday, May 27th

Casey Jones Craft Camp 🎨
Date: Monday, May 27th
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Old Country Store
Price: Free
Ages: Preschool (3 -5 Years Old) Adult Supervision Required

American Sign Language Practice
Date: Monday, May 27th
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Jackson Madison County (Main) Library
Price: Free
Ages: All Ages Welcome

Tuesday, May 28th

Empire Theaters8 (Free Movie Nights)
Date: Tuesday, May 28th
Time: 10:00AM 
Location: Empire Theaters 8
Movies: Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse (PG) & Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (PG)
Price: Free

Wednesday, May 29th

Empire Theaters8 (Free Movie Nights)
Date: Wednesday, May 29th
Time: 10:00AM 
Location: Empire Theaters 8
Movies: Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse (PG) & Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (PG)
Price: Free

Thursday, May 30th

Empire Theaters8 (Free Movie Nights)
Date: Thursday, May 30th
Time: 10:00AM 
Location: Empire Theaters 8
Movies: Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse (PG) & Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (PG)
Price: Free

Friday, May 31st

Food Truck Friday 
Date: Friday, May 31st
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM 
Location: theLOCAL
Price: Free Entry (Food Prices Vary)

Saturday, June 1st

Into The Woods (Play Auditions)
Date: Saturday, June 1st
Time: 2:00 PM 
Location: First United Methodist Church
Price: Free
Ages: 2nd Grade - 12th Grade

Pat Brown School Of Dance (59th Annual Recital)
Date: Saturday, June 1
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:20 PM (Morning Show)
Location: Carl Perkins Civic Center
Price: Free

Pat Brown School Of Dance (59th Annual Recital)
Date: Saturday, June 1
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM (Evening Show)
Location: Carl Perkins Civic Center
Price: Free

Sunday, June 2nd

Into The Woods (Play Auditions)
Date: Sunday, June 2nd
Time: 2:00 PM 
Location: First United Methodist Church
Price: Free
Ages: 2nd Grade - 12th Grade

Monday, May 27th

Casey Jones Craft Camp 🎨
Date: Monday, May 27th
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Old Country Store
Price: Free
Ages: Preschool (3 -5 Years Old) Adult Supervision Required

American Sign Language Practice
Date: Monday, May 27th
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Jackson Madison County (Main) Library
Price: Free
Ages: All Ages Welcome

MHDS Steak Night @ Redbones 🥩 
Date: Monday, May 27th
Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Redbones
Price: $8.99 6oz Steak (Every $8.99 Steak & Drink Purchase = $1 Donation)
Goal: To Raise Awareness For Mental Health. Donations Will Go To Mental Health & Departmental Services (MHDS)

Tuesday, May 28th

2024 Career Expo 
Date: Tuesday, May 28th
Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM 
Location: Carl Perkins Civic Center

Empire Theaters8 (Free Movie Nights)
Date: Tuesday, May 28
Time: 10:00AM 
Location: Empire Theaters 8
Movies: Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse (PG) & Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (PG)
Price: Free

Jackson Rockabillies vs Full Count Rhythm (Baseball) Opening Night 
Date: Tuesday, May 28th 
Time: 7:00 PMLocation: The Jackson Baseball Stadium
Price: $6 - $14 (Prices Vary Based On Seating)

Wednesday, May 29th

Jackson Rockabillies vs Cape Catfish (Baseball)
Date: Wednesday, May 29th 
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: The Jackson Baseball Stadium
Price: $6 - $14 (Prices Vary Based On Seating)

Empire Theaters8 (Free Movie Nights)
Date: Wednesday, May 29th
Time: 10:00AM 
Location: Empire Theaters 8
Movies: Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse (PG) & Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (PG)
Price: Free

Thursday, May 30th

Empire Theaters8 (Free Movie Nights)
Date: Thursday, May 30th
Time: 10:00AM 
Location: Empire Theaters 8
Movies: Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse (PG) & Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (PG)
Price: Free

Friday, May 31st

Food Truck Friday 
Date: Friday, May 31st
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM 
Location: theLOCAL
Price: Free Entry (Food Prices Vary)

Saturday, June 1st

Puzzling Adventures Scavenger Hunt - Jackson Tennessee
Date: Saturday, June 1st
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Click Here For Further Directions
Price: $49.99 Per Team

First Responders Lunch at Elks #192 
Date: Saturday, June 1
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: 28 Executive Drive
Price: Free (For First Responders) Fire Fighter, Police Officers, Sheriff, EMT’s and Paramedics.

Into The Woods (Play Auditions)
Date: Saturday, June 1st
Time: 2:00 PM 
Location: First United Methodist Church
Price: Free
Ages: 2nd Grade - 12th Grade

Jackson’s Hub City Flea Market
Date: Saturday, June 1st
Time: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: Jackson Fairgrounds
Price: Free Entry (Merchandise Prices Vary)

Cornhole For A Cure
Date: Saturday, June 1
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Rose Hill Middle School (Gym)
Price: $50 Per Team 
Winnings: 50/50 (Payout Of The Winnings)
Game Rules: Double Elimination
Goal: This tournament is a Benefit for siblings Laticha Ramirez and Lance “Tiny” Butler. (Laticha Ramirez was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer and is receiving ongoing treatments not covered by insurance.)

Pat Brown School Of Dance (59th Annual Recital)
Date: Saturday, June 1
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:20 PM (Morning Show)
Location: Carl Perkins Civic Center
Price: Free

Pat Brown School Of Dance (59th Annual Recital)
Date: Saturday, June 1
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM (Evening Show)
Location: Carl Perkins Civic Center
Price: Free

Sunday, June 2nd

Into The Woods (Play Auditions)
Date: Sunday, June 2nd
Time: 2:00 PM 
Location: First United Methodist Church
Price: Free
Ages: 2nd Grade - 12th Grade

Jackson’s Hub City Flea Market
Date: Sunday, June 1st
Time: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: Jackson Fairgrounds
Price: Free Entry (Merchandise Prices Vary)

FINAL NOTE: We Have Officially Opened Up The Comments Section! So Feel Free To Leave Your Thoughts On This Week’s Newsletter!