KWCH - Kansas News and Weather - WWW Owner Admits Economy Slowed Development

WWW Owner Admits Economy Slowed Development

(WICHITA, Kan.)

The economy slowed its progress. Now the owner of Wild West World says it plans to capitalize on the economic trends and develop a multi-million dollar commercial and entertainment district to attract locals and millions of others who drive by.

It's still quiet. Still empty. Aside from the weeds growing taller, not much has changed at Wild West World in the past two years.

That's on the surface. Behind closed doors the owners say they've been busy developing the state's next hot spot.

"I think people are looking more towards regional destinations. So that's what we're hoping to create here," Doug Spangler said.

It's been a few months since we heard from Spangler. Spangler works for AHG Group, the company bought the Park City property last summer.

Spangler says he's near finalizing contracts with a park operator, a few well known restaurants, retailers, hotels and a casino.

We've heard about such plans before. So we wanted to know what's taking so long. Spangler admits the economy has slowed progress by almost 10 months.

Obviously the parking lot has also sat empty the past two years. AHG has spent thousands of dollars paying down its debt because Spangler says it sees the potential retail, commercial and entertainment value it holds.

"We feel like it's a fair thing to do. We're being a responsible owner of this park while we change the use of this park and openly as I said it will create additional retail value for Park City," he said.

Spangler says they are grappling with whether to keep the Wild West World, outdoorsy theme or start from scratch. We do know the amusement park won't reopen.

Spangler says either way, "We believe this is a great family, tourist destination of regional nature. So once the retail gets in place and people see the need to come out here, we'll be able to reopen this in an effective manner."

And finally fill the land with a permanent destination.

We asked him and know the Florida-based business specializes in developing casinos. Ten acres, belonging to the Wyandotte Nation Indians, adjoins the now mostly vacant property.