YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
A Branson company is behind plans for a $2 billion theme park development in northeast Oklahoma.
American Heartland, an affiliate of Branson-based performing arts, animation and studio company Mansion Entertainment Group LLC, announced yesterday a project called American Heartland Theme Park and Resort.
"At the crossroads of the heartland, Oklahoma is an attractive location for a family entertainment destination," American Heartland CEO Larry Wilhite said in a news release. "The state’s business-friendly approach and innovative partnership efforts have helped make this possible. We look forward to bringing unforgettable generational experiences to Oklahoma.”
The 125-acre theme park is planned at a 1,000-acre development in Vinita, which is a nearly three-hour drive from Branson and just over 20 miles from Miami, Oklahoma.
Officials said in the release that the size is comparable to that of Magic Kingdom Theme Park and Disneyland Park.
"This $2 billion investment in our state will create more than 4,000 jobs and introduce a new category of entertainment to the region, and its long-term economic impact will be transformative," Oklahoma state Sen. Micheal Bergstrom said in the release.
The theme park is planned with six themed areas: Great Plains, Bayou Bay, Big Timber Falls, Stony Point Harbor, Liberty Village and Electropolis. The project also is planned with the 320-acre Three Ponies RV Park and Campground, a 300-room hotel and an indoor water park. Opening dates are scheduled in phases, with the Phase I RV park in spring 2025 and the Phase II theme park and resort in 2026.
Veteran theme park designers THG, FORREC Ltd. and Cuningham Group Architecture Inc. are on board, according to the release.
Moseley’s Discount Office Products was purchased; Side Chick opened in Branson; and the Springfield franchise store of NoBaked Cookie Dough changed ownership.
