Short-term recreational spot in works for Elkhart County

The possibility of attracting a short-term vacation facility to the American Countryside Farmers Market is currently in the works in Elkhart County. The investors could start breaking ground as early as this spring on 200 acres to the east of American Countryside just south of the city, said Elkhart County Commissioner Mike Yoder. The project could ultimately yield 500 jobs, he added. The year-round vacation spot would include housing units and feature a large indoor recreational facility with a Caribbean-themed indoor water park, indoor tennis, bowling and a variety of indoor sports for winter. Yoder said the group will ask at a Monday morning commissioner's meeting for $10 million in recovery zone bonds, which would allow them to offer special bonds to buyers. "They're in the process of putting together financing for this project," Yoder said. "If they get the financing, including our bonds, they can put the project together." Yoder would not say what the total investment would be. He added the investors are both local and European, and wished to remain anonymous until Monday. As for the facility, Yoder said it will attract young, middle-income families looking to get away for two-, three- and four-day family vacations. Yoder said he's been told it would be the first such facility in the United States, although there are several in Europe that are popular. If successful, up to three could be built nationwide. Yoder did not know what drew the investors to Elkhart County. American Countryside Farmers Market consists of 400 acres located at the St. Joseph Valley Parkway and Indiana 19. It opened in 2007. Staff writer Tom Moor: tmoor@sbtinfo.com (574) 247-7756