Branson approves first reading of Bigfoot on the Strip

The Branson Board of Aldermen yesterday approved the first reading of a bill that would pave the way for a development known as Bigfoot on the Strip.

The bill seeks to establish a planned development and land use regulations for the project on Highway 76 proposed by On the Strip LLC. Developers propose a 225-foot tower and ride as a centerpiece, according to the board’s agenda.

The plan was submitted by Darrell Henley, who founded such Branson attractions as Parakeet Pete's and Branson Zipline and Canopy Tour.

The roughly 2.5-acre site is located south of Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and east of Green Mountain Drive. In December, the Branson Planning and Zoning Commission denied the plans due to a lack of details regarding safety and signage details, as well as health department compliance with food trucks on the premises. However, the plans submitted to the Branson board include the requested details.

The development’s Soaring Eagle ride is designed to launch seated passengers around the tower into the air and back to the ground. It also would include a trolley stop, which follows Branson’s Spirit of 76 Master Plan. The tower would rise to 200 feet, while a flagpole would extend another 25 feet, according to the agenda.