Anticipation Grows for Bonner Springs’ Ambitious Destination KCK Entertainment District

Exciting Developments Ahead for Bonner Springs

Bonner Springs, Kansas, is buzzing with anticipation as plans unfold for the ambitious Destination KCK entertainment district. This massive $490 million project has everyone talking, particularly because it includes a unique Barbie-themed park designed by the Arizona-based company, Epic Resort Destinations. While the idea of a whimsical park wrapped around a manmade lake sounds like a dream come true, the reality is that not much progress seems to have been made on the critical lake component that is key to making the entire project come alive.

The Heart of Destination KCK

The centerpiece of this breathtaking entertainment hub is set to be a stunning 10-acre lake. This artificial body of water is not just for show; it will serve as the focal point for the entire Destination KCK experience. Imagine strolling along the shores of a beautiful lake, enjoying indoor rainforests, a year-round Christmas village, hotels, restaurants, and retail spaces—all part of this vast 180-acre campus located at the southwest corner of State Avenue and 118th Street. Sound exciting? It absolutely is! However, it seems progress on that picturesque lake has hit a few bumps along the way.

Permits and Progress

Currently, Epic Resort Destinations is working to secure the necessary permits before any physical site work can commence. According to the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Water Resources (DWR), no water rights have been issued as of recent updates. This means no permits for the creation of that essential 10-acre lake have been filed with Bonner Springs city officials, causing some concern about the timeline for the entire project.

The city’s community development director, Mark Lee, has indicated that there hasn’t been significant movement on this front. Securing these permits is critical—developers need to assess the local topography, determine how much water is needed to keep the lake filled, and understand any implications for local wildlife, particularly threatened or endangered species that may inhabit the area.

The Road Ahead

As Rick Besancon, a senior project manager specializing in hydrology, pointed out, several assessments still need to occur. These include a thorough cultural resources investigation to detect any significant archaeological sites that might affect construction. Furthermore, developers must devise a stormwater pollution prevention plan to protect the environment during construction.

Once the necessary permissions are granted, it still may take months to construct the lake, particularly depending on Kansas weather patterns. As winter approaches, the climate can complicate excavation efforts. Some ground conditions become tougher to work with, slowing down progress. Additionally, factors like wind can lead to evaporation, and historical precipitation data must be carefully examined to manage the lake’s long-term water balance.

Financial Backing and Future Plans

The Bonner Springs City Council is on board with the project—the council approved the creation of a STAR bond district to help fund the Destination KCK site back in April. STAR bonds are financial tools that support developments that promote tourism and entertainment. Revenue generated from sales tax once the project is completed will help pay off these bonds, so stockholders are keen to see this venture become a reality.

Epic Resort Destinations is also working on the first Mattel Adventure Park in Glendale, Arizona, which is set to open later this year, showing that the company has experience in bringing unique parks to life. However, the Bonner Springs site requires thorough preparation to create a sustainable and enjoyable environment.

What’s Next?

With the excitement of the Barbie-themed park and a slew of attractions on the horizon, residents and visitors alike are keeping a close watch on the developments. As winter sets in and timelines are revisited, there’s no denying that everyone in Bonner Springs—young and old—hopes to see Destination KCK become a reality sooner rather than later!