Riverside

On a sunny and humid Thursday afternoon, officials broke ground on the much-anticipated $35 million Blackjack Beach RV & Water Resort in Riverside.

The project was first publicly discussed by the Riverside city council during a meeting in July.

The ceremony took place on the 200-acre project site, where visitors played in the lake and Sail On, a Beach Boys tribute band, performed during the event.

Before the ceremonial groundbreaking, the crowd heard from Elite Casino Resorts CEO Dan Kehl, Riverside Mayor Allen Schneider, WEDGE Director Melanie Brimson and Greater Iowa City Inc. President and CEO Nancy Bird.

Located across Highway 22 from Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, the water park and resort are expected to open by Memorial Day 2027.

The development will feature 154 RV sites and a 70,000-square-foot aquatic park with a 447-foot lazy river, a 30-foot slide tower, water slides and multiple pools, including an adult pool with a swim-up bar. Plans also include a beach area, an inflatable water park and a 60-acre lake offering fishing, kayaking, sailing and other water activities.

A 14,000-square-foot clubhouse and banquet hall, dining options, event space and outdoor recreation areas will also be included.

Schneider expressed excitement about the development and said it is a perfect fit for the area.

“It’s going to be something that we’re happy to have in our backyard,” Schneider said.

He also discussed the effect the resort could have on the local economy.

“Blackjack Beach will be a first-class facility at a truly unique destination,” Schneider said. “It will help create jobs, it’s going to help with all of the local businesses, and we’re expecting this to spur additional commercial and residential growth in the area.”

Kehl said the resort is expected to create 150 jobs.

“The new resort will create 150 additional jobs,” Kehl said.

Brimson also discussed the project’s potential economic impact on Riverside and the surrounding communities.

“Bringing jobs to the area and attracting new residents will be important for the community,” Brimson said. “Opening near the beginning of summer should also be beneficial because of Iowa’s cold winters. We expect the destination to draw a lot of traffic throughout the summer.”

Bird thanked the organizations and community members who have supported the development.

“It’s always encouraging to see organizations working together to support investments like this,” Bird said. “One thing I’ve learned through economic development is that visitors and opportunities don’t stop at city limits. It’s really about the people, because jurisdictional boundaries are invisible. What people do recognize, however, are good people, and there are many of them gathered here.”

Kehl said the vision is to create a family destination that complements the amenities already available at the casino and throughout the area.

“The vision is to establish a recreational corridor that serves as a family destination and complements the many amenities across the road,” Kehl said. “We expect visitors to include it in their annual summer vacation plans and spend more time in the area.”

He said the development could also bring visitors to Kalona, Washington, the greater Iowa City corridor and other surrounding communities.

“Visitors will return for the lake, the water park and a week in the sun with their families,” Kehl said. “While they’re here, they’ll spend money not only in Riverside, but also in Kalona, Washington, the greater Iowa City corridor and throughout the surrounding area. That’s what this project is about—creating another destination we can all be proud of.”

With Memorial Day less than 10 months away, Kehl said meeting the targeted opening date will depend largely on the winter weather and construction conditions.

“A lot of that construction depends on the winter and conditions,” Kehl said.

With several developments underway across Riverside, Kehl said Blackjack Beach is intended to build on the community’s recent growth.

“We’re looking to build on all the great things happening in the area and help make it an even better destination,” Kehl said.

He also praised the City of Riverside for its support of the project.

"They’re very excited about the project and have been extremely helpful in ensuring its success,” Kehl said.

Following the groundbreaking, crews will begin installing deep footings and foundations because of the site’s sandy soil.

“We’ll begin by installing deep footings and foundations because of the site’s sandy soil,” Kehl said. “Our goal is to complete that work before the frost arrives, then begin constructing the building while working on the RV sites at the same time. There will be a lot happening across the site.”

Brimson emphasized that the development is expected to benefit the entire region, rather than only Riverside.

“What’s especially exciting is the impact this project could have on the economic prosperity of the entire region,” Brimson said. “Local businesses will benefit from more people visiting the area, giving us an opportunity to showcase some of the best that the county has to offer.”

With the groundbreaking complete, work is moving forward with the goal of having Blackjack Beach RV & Water Resort ready for visitors by Memorial Day 2027.