The American Heartland Theme Park and Three Ponies RV Park and Campground developments in Oklahoma remain on schedule despite challenges with flood plains. The amusement park and the RV park are still planned to be constructed by 2026.
In a July 2023 press release, state and local leaders in Oklahoma unveiled plans for the American Heartland Theme Park and Resort. This $2 billion initiative is comparable to the size of iconic parks such as Magic Kingdom and Disneyland. Adjacent to this theme park, the Three Ponies RV Park and Campground will occupy 320 acres and is designed to accommodate 750 RV spaces and 300 cabins, complete with various amenities for an elevated guest experience.
However, Mansion Entertainment Group has faced some hurdles, including a higher-than-anticipated budget and issues related to the floodplain, as reported by 2 News Oklahoma. During the April city council meeting, updates on the project’s progress were given, addressing concerns regarding recent delays and outlining the steps being taken to mitigate these issues.
Steve Hedrick, the executive producer of project development, disclosed that the RV park is slightly behind schedule, necessitating designers to accommodate RV spaces and cabins more efficiently. The site for the Three Ponies RV Park and Campground, spanning approximately 20 acres within a floodplain, is undergoing a re-survey.
“It gives us some extra time to work with FEMA and get that floodplain re-surfaced and in front of the government. That all could be expansionary,” Hedrick noted, as quoted in the 2 News Oklahoma report.
Echoing the project’s importance, Oklahoma State Senator Micheal Bergstrom emphasized the transformative potential of this $2 billion investment in the 2023 press release. He said that the development would create over 4,000 jobs.
Owners and operators of RV parks and campgrounds can learn valuable insights from the approach taken by Mansion Entertainment Group in developing the American Heartland Theme Park and Three Ponies RV Park and Campground. One key takeaway is the importance of flexibility and adaptability in project management. Despite facing unforeseen challenges such as budget overruns and floodplain issues, the group has managed to keep the project on track by adjusting plans, such as designing the layout to use space more efficiently.
Additionally, by engaging early and often with local authorities, RV park and campground operators can better navigate the complexities of land use and ensure compliance with all regulations. This proactive engagement not only helps in addressing issues like floodplain management but also opens opportunities for future expansion.
Featured image by Three Ponies RV Park and Campground via threeponiesrvparkandcampground.com