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Great Wolf unveils 40,000-square-foot indoor water park expansion

As it enters the final stage of its $125 million renovation, Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains has unveiled the 40,000-square-foot expansion of its indoor waterpark. 

The waterpark, which is now more than 120,000 square feet, now has seven new slides, including “Slidewinder,” which lets riders slide down in single, or double-person tubes. 

To help introduce the expanded waterpark, former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber and his family helped celebrate the occasion by officially unveiling the new area.
As part of the lodge’s expansion efforts, management has already unveiled a refreshed outdoor pool, newly designed grand lobby and a full-service restaurant, Fireside.  

“With the completion of our $125 million renovation, it’s safe to say the family experience at Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains is better than ever,” shared Bill Colavito, general manager for Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains. “We enhanced and elevated every aspect of the resort, and families that visited our resort before renovations were completed, are going to be amazed when they come back.” 

This has been the largest and most extensive renovation in the lodge’s 18-year history. Most of the public areas of the resort are now completely renovated. 

Later this summer, the resort will open the new Mountain Tower featuring 202 additional guest rooms and 30 three-bedroom Woodland Villas, a new lodging concept for the Poconos location.     

 

Mount Airy Casino Resort going 21+

Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono. PHOTO/FILE –

Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono said it is distinguishing itself from the family-oriented resorts that populate the Poconos by going 21+. 

Starting Dec. 18, the resort will require that all guests on the property be 21 or older. 

The restriction will apply to the entire property, including all hotel rooms, restaurants, spa and pool area, in addition to its casino floor and bar areas. 

“This decision, made after careful consideration and based on feedback from our patrons, caters to the increasing demand we are seeing for exceptional amenities and outstanding personal service,” said Lisa DeNaples, Mount Airy owner and managing trustee. “By offering an adults-only environment, we intend to serve as the premier escape for those seeking an elevated lifestyle that includes high-end experiences and luxury accommodations.” 

Hassan Abdel-Moneim, vice president of resort operations, noted that for generations, the Pocono Mountains have served as a family-friendly destination, with activities for kids of all ages – from animal and water parks to family resorts. 

“We appreciate and endorse all that’s available in the region and suggest visiting the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau if you’re interested in booking a stay in the Poconos with children and adults under the age of 21,” Abdel-Moneim said. “We want our guests to be carefree and have a great time, and a 21-and-older resort contributes to the luxurious atmosphere Mount Airy provides. We’ve already heard from a lot of parents who look forward to staying with us solely because the resort will be a 21-and-older experience.” 

The decision comes with the endorsement of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. 

“This decision makes perfect sense based on Mount Airy’s prestigious brand and the resort’s long history of providing an exemplary adult-only experience,” said Chris Barrett, president and CEO of the visitors bureau. “There are many kid-friendly properties located throughout the Poconos and we’re more than happy to assist families in finding those wonderful opportunities for their upcoming visit.” 

Monroe County small businesses may be eligible for COVID-19 loan

Monroe County small businesses struggling due to the coronavirus crisis may be eligible for the county’s COVID-19 small business loan program. The program, designed for for-profit businesses with up to 20 employees, is offered to businesses open for at least a year.

Loans are available for between $3,000 and $20,000, for a three-year term with an interest rate of 1%.

According to the Pocono Mountains Development Corporation, no payments on the loan will be due in the first year.  Principal and interest payments will be due in the second and third year, and a balloon payment will be due at the end of year three.

The application period runs from April 20 to May 11, and interested applicants should reach out to the Pocono Mountains Development Corporation at 570-839-1992 or email [email protected].

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