|
A major US$2bn theme park and resort development comparable to the likes of Disney and Universal is set to open in 2026 in the state of Oklahoma
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 20 Jul 2023
American Heartland represents a major theme park development comparable with the likes of Disney and Universal Credit: FORREC
The US state of Oklahoma is about to become home to one of the US’s largest theme parks and resorts, with plans announced for a US$2bn (€1.8bn, £1.5bn) development to fully open by 2026.
Called American Heartland, the 4 million sq m (43 million sq ft) development in Vitia will be built in multiple phases.
In its first phase, a large-scale RV park with cabins will be built. Covering 1.3 million sq m (14 million sq ft) and set to open in spring 2025, architects ADG Blatt are behind the development, which will be the largest campground in the central US region, with space for 750 RVs and 300 cabins plus amenities.
Phase two will see the development of the wider theme park and resort. Scheduled to open in 2026 and covering 506,000sq m (5.4 million sq ft), the theme park development is comparable in size to Disneyland or Magic Kingdom and will be themed on Americana.
Led by executive producer Steve Hedrick, the design team is made up of some major players, including over 20 former Disney Parks builders and Walt Disney Imagineers. Design firms attached to the project include THG, FORREC and Cuningham.
Included will be themed environments with a variety of rides, live shows, family attractions, waterways and restaurant-quality food and beverage. These will be split into six themed lands - Great Plains, Bayou Bay, Big Timber Falls, Stony Point Harbor, Liberty Village and Electropolis.
An indoor waterpark also features in the resort, as does a 300-bedroom hotel.
“At the crossroads of the heartland, Oklahoma is an attractive location for a family entertainment destination,” said American Heartland CEO Larry Wilhite.
“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.”
Located on the historic Route 66, state officials said that the development would attract visitors from around the world to experience and celebrate the rich cultures and hometown values of the US. The development is also set to create more than 4,000 jobs and will “introduce a new category of entertainment to the region”.
“There’s no better place to represent the heart of America than northeast Oklahoma,” said Oklahoma senator Micheal Bergstrom. “The long-term economic impact will be transformative. Tourism is already one of Oklahoma’s top industries and this project will elevate our state even further.”
American Heartland - the developer behind the project, is an affiliate of Mansion Entertainment Group, a leading performing arts, animation and studio brand.
“American Heartland will be an anchor tourist destination on Route 66 set to attract more than two million out-of-state visitors to Oklahoma each year,” said Kristy Adams, senior executive vice president of sales and marketing for Mansion Entertainment Group and American Heartland.
“The scale and quality of the development will be unlike anything else in the region, making Vinita, Oklahoma a can’t-miss destination for families around the world.”
Theme park
|
|
Storm surge: How Chimelong Spaceship’s award-winning and record-breaking Bermuda Storm was brought to life
|
