Exciting Developments in Bonner Springs as DestinationKCK Project Aims to Create 1,500 Jobs

Exciting Developments in Bonner Springs: DestinationKCK Project Set to Create 1,500 Jobs

Hey there, Bonner Springs! We have some thrilling news that’s sure to change the landscape of our charming city. A massive new project known as DestinationKCK is in the works and it’s likely to open its doors in 2026, featuring an exciting Mattel Adventure Park as its centerpiece. With a whopping price tag of $490 million, this development is expected to create around 1,500 jobs in our community!

What’s in Store at DestinationKCK?

So, what can we expect from this ambitious project? The plans call for an impressive $115 million Mattel Adventure Park, an indoor rainforest attraction, a year-round Christmas village, and several hotels and eateries. Picture a fun-filled day where the entire family can enjoy rides and attractions, pop into a cozy hotel, and indulge in delicious meals at various restaurants. Sounds fantastic, right?

The Bonner Springs City Council has already taken a big step forward by approving a sales tax revenue (STAR) bond district for this ambitious project back in April. These STAR bonds will help fund the development by using the future sales tax revenue generated once everything is up and running. While we don’t have an exact start date for construction just yet, we’re keenly waiting for updates. The developers, Epic Resort Destinations, made headlines in July by announcing that they secured 180 acres for the park, strategically located between Kansas Speedway and Wyandotte County Park.

Job Opportunities and Wages

With 1,500 jobs on the horizon, many residents are left wondering about the types of positions that will be available. Unfortunately, the details are a bit hazy at this time. A spokesperson from DestinationKCK did not clarify whether these jobs will be full-time, part-time, or seasonal. Given that Epic Resort Destinations is also working on a similar park in Glendale, Arizona, we can glean some insights from there as a potential indicator. Their website hinted at various positions, including ride operators, ticketing sales, retail staff, food and beverage positions, bartenders, custodial staff, and technicians.

However, the site is currently not hiring, and they encourage jobseekers to register their interest. Interestingly, the wages for amusement park roles in the Kansas City area often fall below the region’s median hourly wage of about $23.10. For instance, amusement and recreation attendants made approximately $12.57 per hour in 2023, which is significantly lower than the regional average.

Impact on Local Workforce

As more details about job openings come to light, many are curious about where the workforce will come from. Reports show that Wyandotte County had an unemployment rate of 4.4% in August. However, the county also has a slightly lower-educated workforce than the broader Kansas City metro area, raising questions about whether local residents will be interested in taking these jobs.

Alyssa Leibold, an economist, pointed out that only about 21% of Wyandotte County’s population holds a bachelor’s degree. This demographic factor could influence the availability and willingness of workers to jump into these new roles. On a bright note, the Kansas City region’s leisure and hospitality sector has been flourishing, adding 6,800 jobs from August 2023 to August 2024 alone. This growth has been particularly noticeable on the Missouri side of the metro.

What’s Next for Bonner Springs?

With the DestinationKCK project on the horizon, there’s no doubt that Bonner Springs is about to become a new hot spot for entertainment and job opportunities. While we await further announcements from Epic Resort Destinations about timelines, job specifics, and wage details, one thing is for sure: exciting changes are coming our way!

Stay tuned, Bonner Springs! Let’s embrace the fun that will soon arrive in our community and keep our fingers crossed for those job openings!