Several hundred people gather in the Vinita Civic Center at the Craig County Fair Grounds for a presentation on a $2 billion project. The American Heartland Theme Park and Resort is a 1,000-acre site on Route 66.
Vinita Mayor Josh Lee says this is a historic day for the city and all the surrounding area. Founder Gene Bicknell, who came up with the idea of the park, says it was a moment of divine intervention for him.
American Heartland Executive Director Steve Headrick says this is a family-friendly park built on the American foundations of hard work, play and adventure. The park and resort will be built in phases. The first phase is a large RV park with cabins, which should open in 2025. The theme park and larger resort should open by 2026.
