CVB: Newesst attractions add to Ozarks' appeal

|tab|

The months ahead promise excitement in the Ozarks thanks to millions of dollars in improvements and additions to the area's tourist attractions.|ret||ret||tab|

"Once the projects are completed, Springfield will be even more appealing for tourists and business travelers," said Tracy Kimberlin, executive director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We're especially looking forward to the opening of Wonders of Wildlife and Jordan Valley Park."|ret||ret||tab|

These and other projects ensure a sharper edge for Springfield in competing for tourists, conferences and business travelers.|ret||ret||tab|

Construction on Jordan Valley Park is moving rapidly, and the roof will go on the ice rink in the next few weeks. With only a little imagination, it's easy to envision people using the facility this fall.|ret||ret||tab|

"It's easy for me to see because I've been involved in the design," said Benjamin Alexander, principal planner with the Springfield Planning and Development Department. "Plus I'm going to be one of the participants. I'm going to be skating in it and my family is going to be using the park." |ret||ret||tab|

Bids will be accepted on the park portion of the project later this spring, and it should open in March 2002, Alexander said.|ret||ret||tab|

Though Jordan Valley Park will serve the local community, it will have a positive impact on tourism by bringing amateur competitive events to the city, he said.|ret||ret||tab|

The park also will attract conferences. Alexander also predicts more people in the region will visit the city for the park and for Wonders of Wildlife.|ret||ret||tab|

Construction is under way and on schedule, including interior work such as molding and carving trees and rocks, said Wonders of Wildlife spokesman Mick Denniston.|ret||ret||tab|

"It's no longer just a shell," Denniston said. "It's starting to take shape. When you walk into an area, you can see it's going to be a cave or a riverbed. It's still in a dream state; your imagination doesn't have to be quite as vivid to know what it is you're looking at."|ret||ret||tab|

Once completed, the $52 million project is expected to serve 1 million people in its first year, Denniston said. Grand opening is set for Nov. 2.|ret||ret||tab|

Visitors also will find something new at Dickerson Park Zoo when the $600,000 Ambler Diversity of Life Exhibits facility opens April 21.|ret||ret||tab|

"From a project standpoint, the zoo has been busier over the last year or so than it's been in a long, long time in terms of developments," said Melinda Mancuso, director of public relations and marketing for the zoo. |ret||ret||tab|

Mancuso expects new patrons and more repeat visits because of improvements. |ret||ret||tab|

Lisa Rau, director of publicity and public relations at Silver Dollar City, expects the theme park's new Wildfire roller coaster, scheduled to open April 4, to have an impact on attendance.|ret||ret||tab|

Improvements to existing attractions and construction of the Wonders of Wildlife, John Q. Hammons' proposed baseball stadium, convention center additions, hotel expansion and other projects is maneuvering the Ozarks into a good position for the future, Kimberlin said.|ret||ret||tab|

|bold_on|(Susan Wade is public relations manager for the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau.)|ret||ret||tab|

[[In-content Ad]]