Wild West World Officially Has New Owner
Wild West World Officially Has New Owner Save Email Print
Posted: 6:58 PM Jun 30, 2008
Last Updated: 6:58 PM Jun 30, 2008
Reporter: Jennifer Bocchieri
Email Address: jennifer.bocchieri@kake.com

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The new owner, along with other investors, toured the property within hours of closing on the park Monday morning to make plans for the future.

Florida-based AHG plans to open the park and the concert hall within 90 days.

Although the western theme will likely stay, the original name may not.

"We like the cowboy and the neon sign but we'll complete some focus groups
with the city and individuals in the tourism industry locally and we'll pick
a theme at that point," said AHG Spokesperson Doug Spangler.

Wild West World has been sitting empty for the past year since former owner Thomas Etheridge went bankrupt.

AHG bought the property for $2.15 million in a courtroom bidding war last month.

Aside from the amusement park, AHG also has future plans to turn the surrounding land into an entertainment complex. They would like to add another hotel, restaurants and some retail space.

The company is also exploring a possible casino angle. The Wyandotte Indians own ten acres next to the Wild West World property.

Those in Park City are happy that there is a future for the land.

"All of a sudden now it's viable economic development where for the last
year it's just kind of been sad," said Park City Mayor Dee Stuart.

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Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 1, 2008 at 09:19 PM
I wish someone would buy Joyland and fix it up. It would be great

Posted by: James Location: w on Jun 30, 2008 at 10:55 PM
This was a fire sale; just like the Warren theater in oldtown will be in a year or two

Posted by: Alex East Location: Wichita on Jun 30, 2008 at 08:08 PM
It is so great to see this park being reformed and put back together. What they need now though is just new rides, more trees for shade, and reatil. Exactly like what they are doing now. Good Job!

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