Bonner Springs approves Mattel Adventure Park agreement. See when it could open

The future Mattel Adventure Park and entertainment complex in Bonner Springs officially has a timeline.

The Bonner Springs City Council approved a development agreement earlier this week for the Mattel-themed tourist attraction at 118th Street and State Avenue, which will feature a theme park, hotels, shopping, a rainforest attraction, a conference center, zip lines, a man-made lake and more. The theme park will include elements like a Barbie Dream House, Hot Wheels roller coasters and Thomas the Tank Engine train, among others.

The $539 million project on 180 acres, to be developed by Epic Resort Destinations, is expected to begin construction by October 2027 and open by May 2031. The developer must close on purchasing the land within 30 days of the agreement.

“Bonner Springs is known for our many tourism destinations and the Mattel Adventure Park will become part KC’s strong travel and tourism industry and offer visitors a chance to experience restaurants, lodging, retail, immersive exhibits and one-of-a-kind attractions that are not currently available in the Midwest,” the city said in a statement.

The project will be funded through a mix of private financing and public incentives. Among the financial incentives to help make the park a reality could be $175 million in STAR bonds, which would be repaid from the increased sales taxes generated by the project. Other incentives could further redirect $46 million in revenue generated by the area back into it.

Property taxpayers are not being asked to pay for the improvements, the city said. The developer will be responsible for constructing the park and the utilities for it. The city will provide water service and has the capacity after a recent water treatment facility upgrade.