College campus pushed forward in downtown Sandusky

SANDUSKY — Two Ohio-based institutions partnered on a proposed multimillion-dollar project, representing, quite possibly, the most significant investment ever made in downtown Sandusky.Through an unprecedented public-private partnership, Cedar Fair and Bowling Green State University want to create a college paired with a campus-style environment somewhere within the city's central business district.It's possible the academic center, solely focused on teaching tourism-related courses, and a related residential setting, housing upward of 200 students year-round, could open by 2020. Early estimates show the project could cost between $15 million and $25 million.Before pursuing construction, however, those overseeing the project must first receive state-approved college accreditation, secure funding and obtain building permits, among other tasks.Several unknowns about the project exist, including an exact location. But college administrators and park executives stressed they're committed to finding a site downtown.This past week, officials representing the university, company and city exclusively spoke with the Register to explain their roles.BGSU's roleBowling Green State University recently began developing a curriculum tailored around the tourism industry for a proposed degree program in Sandusky. More specifically, it focuses on subjects pertaining to the business of traveling, hospitality and entertainment. Undergraduates at the junior and senior levels can register for classes on these subjects, all taught by university-employed educators. BGSU students, no matter at the main campus in Bowling Green or BGSU Firelands in Huron Township, are eligible to sign up for these classes. Meanwhile, those enrolled elsewhere, such as at other colleges, can transfer into the program.Upon completion of the major, students would receive a bachelor's degree in resort and attraction management.No other accredited postsecondary organization offers this type of academic program.Cedar Fair's roleHeadquartered in Sandusky, Cedar Fair indicated it would "be engaged in the program by providing input on the curriculum, adjunct instruction by qualified employees, paid co-ops and other experiential learning opportunity," according to a company statement.Executives envision the academic program serving as a professional pipeline, directing trained and skilled graduates to employment opportunities at one of Cedar Fair's 11 properties, including Cedar Point in Sandusky.A degree can also prepare students to find work at other amusement parks, cruise lines, resorts, hotels and countless other tourism-related jobs or careers.The proposal calls for constructing up to a 15,000-square-foot facility, equipped with classrooms and meeting spaces. It would also include a separate residential living component, where students attending classes can stay and live among Sanduskians.Their joint roleIn a statement released to the Register, leaders from both the college and company spoke about this project's importance."Bowling Green State University and Cedar Fair Entertainment Co. are collaborating on a new academic program that combines the business perspective on the field of resort and attraction management while leveraging the resources, expertise and real-world opportunities of Cedar Fair and its affiliated parks across North America, including Ohio parks Cedar Point (in Sandusky) and Kings Island (near Cincinnati)," according to the statement."Students will have access to a worldwide network of amusement parks and attractions via Cedar Fair's affiliation with the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, which represents nearly 5,000 amusement-industry members in 99 countries worldwide," the statement read. "The new program is a unique public-private partnership that combines a leading international entertainment company with one of Ohio's largest universities. It will have a national reach in attracting students to its distinct program and guaranteeing the placement of internships across the country and helping ensure that students have the skills to succeed in the workplace."Sandusky's roleRepresentatives from both BGSU and Cedar Fair credit Sandusky's government officials for proposing a college campus downtown. Officials pushed the idea forward more than two years ago and have campaigned for it ever since. Introduced in the city's bicentennial vision master plan, named after Sandusky's 200th anniversary happening this year, a downtown college campus presents far-reaching ramifications for the good."Higher education options in the region must also be expanded and improved not only to educate students born and raised locally but also to attract talented students to study and potentially stay in Sandusky after graduation," according to a statement from the bicentennial vision. "Expanding higher education options for locals and non-locals has the potential to impact the local economy in a variety of ways. It would raise educational attainment levels within the region, a critical factor in attracting and growing businesses that will create jobs."Leaders from BGSU and Cedar Fair doubled-down on the assessment."This is a unique opportunity to bring major, transformative economic development (opportunities) to the city, attract a vibrant student population, be a catalyst for the offseason economy and provide more economic balance to area businesses," their statement read.Coming Sunday: Those who oversee and support a proposed college campus and tourism-related curriculum in downtown Sandusky sound off and express their viewpoints.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.