Industry Experts Express Concerns: A theme park comparable to Disneyland has been announced for Oklahoma, but residents are warned not to get too enthusiastic. West of Grand Lake, it was revealed on Wednesday that the American Heartland Theme Park and Resort would be located in Vinita, Oklahoma.
Industry Experts Express Concerns Over Proposed American Heartland Theme Park in Oklahoma
A business insider, however, informed KOCO 5 that the park’s likelihood of becoming a reality is low. Dennis Speigel, a consultant and former president of a major international amusement park trade organisation, argued that northeast Oklahoma lacks the population to sustain such a massive undertaking.
In addition, he stated that the American Heartland Theme Park’s potential is limited by market saturation and excessive competition. Speigel argued that American Heartland’s forecast of 4,9 million annual visitors was overly optimistic. This was confirmed by KOCO 5.
American Heartland would rank higher in popularity than any SeaWorld or Six Flags facility in the United States, with approximately 5 million annual visitors. Annually, approximately 2.2 million people visit Silver Dollar City in Branson, roughly two hours from where Oklahoma’s new amusement will be constructed.
Speigel has stated that there is a “less than 5% chance” that the American Heartland Theme Park will be built. KOCO 5 presented Speigel’s evaluation to the park, where a representative refuted his claims and cited numerous feasibility studies in support of them.
Dr. Mark Snead, a local economic expert, described KOCO 5 on behalf of American Heartland as a “market-altering venture capable of shifting family entertainment.”
In addition, Snead stated, “The size and out-of-state location ensure it will generate substantial direct and indirect economic contributions.” He noted that the project’s developer has already acquired over a thousand acres of additional land.
The opening dates for the American Heartland Theme Park and Resort and the Three Ponies RV Park & Campground are 2025 and 2026, respectively.
