Olathe City Council signals support for theme park, arena, entertainment complex

OLATHE, Kan. (KCTV) – A proposal for a unique entertainment complex at 119th Street and Renner Road in Olathe had city council members gushing with enthusiasm at a public hearing Tuesday night.

The complex on the southwest corner of the intersection would feature an amusement park, sports arena and more — all built to be ultra-accommodating to people with special needs.

Ultra-accommodating is a term coined by Gordon Hartman, the creator of Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio. James Arkell visited the park five years ago with his son, Michael, who is non-verbal, in a wheelchair, and has a feeding tube. Arkell is an executive with Loretto Holdings, the company pitching the project to the City of Olathe.

“We don’t have to take Michael out of his chair to put him on these rides. He can just get on. He doesn’t have to go into a separate entrance. We don’t have to hold on to him for dear life,” Arkell described. “All of my kids were able to play together. There’s nothing that makes my other children happier than being able to include their brother, Michael.”

The company’s presentation at Tuesday night’s public hearing was aimed at getting the city to approve the location for a STAR Bond district that allows the developer to use sales tax revenue to pay off the bonds. It would include the southwest corner for phase one and the northeast corner for phase two.

“By any standard of measure, individually and in the aggregate, the series of projects is just exceptional in all regards. And we’re extremely fortunate to have come to Olathe,” said Councilman Dean Vakas.

The vote to move forward did not oblige either the city or Loretto to accept the financial terms to come, but numerous council members and the mayor shared their enthusiasm for the project and its inclusive nature.

“What you just were speaking about with this district are all the things that Olathe already embraces,” said Councilwoman Dr. LeEtta Felter.

Some council members said they were skeptical until they took a tour of the San Antonio park themselves. They were struck by the inclusivity and the low profile. No giant roller coasters piercing the skyline.

“When you see all of this together, and you see the population of people that it can serve — those who have not been able to experience some of the things that those of us that don’t have medical problems, be it sensory, be it mobility — what an opportunity,” said Councilwoman Marge Vogt. “This does fit the values of our community. There is no doubt. And I’m so glad that you all selected Olathe.”

Mayor John Bacon said he has personal experience with how life can be complicated for families who have kids with special needs.

“Many times the decision is we’ll just stay home,” said Bacon. “So can you imagine a facility where people are actually excited to see a person roll up in a wheelchair or something like that, and welcome them, and the opportunities like as that family to have complete recreation or a family event? So this is a unique opportunity.”

The developers said they plan on a $300 million capital investment. They said intend for phase one to include the following:

• 5,000-seat arena
• 18-acre ultra-accessible amusement park
• 150-room hotel
• 120,000 square feet of restaurant and retail.

Arkell said the development team is already working to design the other spaces to be ultra-accessible like the theme park.

“We are all currently working with Marriot, Hilton and Hyatt, who are competing to be the one to get to build it,” said Arkell. “It’s not us trying to convince someone. They are competing to get to be the one to build it.”

Arkell is also the owner of the Mavericks, along with his father-in-law, Lamar Hunt, Jr.

The arena will be for youth hockey and more. It’s something Arkell ventured would prompt a lot of spending in the already developed area around it, using a personal anecdote that prompted laughter to make his point.

“We just spent a week in St. Charles, Missouri, for dance. There were eight of us. All we did was watch dance for four minutes a day and then stimulate the economy,” Arkell said.

There are several additional steps to come. Monday’s hearing was the approve the STAR Bond development plan. Next, they vote on the STAR Bond project plan, which involves more details on financials. Then comes the development agreement, which is the really nitty gritty.

They hope to get through all of that by the end of the year.

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