Groundbreaking set Friday for $500 million development in Park City

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - The City of Park City and Lange Real Estate are set to break ground Friday on a $500 million project called Champtown Development. The 160-acre project, located near 53rd and I-135, is expected to boost area tourism and economic development.

Anticipated project features include an aquarium, restaurants, retail space, a hotel with an indoor multi-sport venue, and youth baseball facilities. Lange Real Estate said it has secured partnerships and letters of intent with a “diverse mix of attractions”:

• Aquarium: The OdySea Aquarium team from Scottsdale, Arizona, will bring a world-class, multi-level facility to Champtown.
• Youth Baseball Facilities: Prep Baseball Report will operate the youth baseball facilities, with Hellas Construction building eight baseball fields and a stadium.
• Retail and Services: Boardwalk services, agreements have been received from a big box retail store, a gas station/convenience store, and several quick service restaurants.
• Butterfly Wonderland: Experience Butterfly Wonderland in Kansas, where guests can explore a rainforest-inspired butterfly conservatory, learn about Monarch migration, observe live chrysalis, and walk among butterflies.

The project is being touted as the “creation of a major destination.”

“I’m glad to see it. Park City is really a growing town, that’s one of the reasons I picked Park City. It’s a small town but it’s getting bigger,” said Park City resident Allen Wagner.

Park City leaders discussed how the project adds to the city’s value.

“We are very forward-thinking when it comes to development and the location is a key element to that,” said Park City Assistant City Administrator Dan Walden said. “We have highways in all different directions. It’s easy to get to Park City. It is the downtown that we have always hoped and dreamed of.”