GRAYLING -- Supporters of a proposed theme park in Crawford County will travel to Lansing to hear a project update from state officials and the developer.
Members of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission will learn the status of the theme park proposal on Thursday, after nearly two years of discussions between the developer and the state Department of Natural Resources.
Whether state officials will consider selling 1,800 acres of state land for the venture depends on the developer solidifying financial backing, but that's yet to occur.
Regardless, some in Grayling and surrounding areas want to show support for the project and will drive to Lansing to do it in person.
"We want to let them know there is tons of support for the land sale for this project," said Kim Millikin, interim executive director for the Grayling Regional Chamber of Commerce. "We're worried they're being overwhelmed with negativity."
More than 50 people will gather at the NRC meeting to listen to an update from David Freed, DNR land and facilities chief, as well as Patrick Crosson, the lead developer for the proposed theme park.
The group initially planned to ride a chartered bus to the meeting, but that was canceled because not enough people signed up, Millikin said.
"We're convinced (the theme park) would be a huge shot in the arm, not just for Crawford County, but all of northern Michigan," she said.
Crosson, of Axiom Entertainment in Rochester, wants to build a $161 million amusement park near Interstate 75 in Grayling Township. Proponents say it would create thousands of jobs and generate other widespread regional economic growth, while others express environmental concerns and oppose the use of public dollars for the park.
Crosson emerged from personal bankruptcy in 2006 and once worked in the 1990s to build a theme park in Indiana, which eventually failed in bankruptcy. The DNR requires proof that there is enough money for the entire theme park development pitched for Michigan before they sell the land, proof that hasn't arrived, Freed said.
"We have not yet seen the financial package," he said.
That's because developers are still waiting for potential investors to decide whether to sign on to the theme park project, company officials said.
"They are in the process of doing due diligence," said Susan Haddad, Axiom spokeswoman.
Park plans include a water park, race track, the world's tallest Ferris wheel and Christmas tree, roller coasters and an old military aircraft carrier on display. The proposal has been criticized as far-fetched, potentially detrimental to the environment and lacking financial buoyancy.
Leonard Wyatt of Grayling is a retiree who lives near the potential theme park site, in a home chosen for its woodsy seclusion. He has his doubts about the project.
"I have mixed feelings about it. I don't know that I'd want it because we're here for the peace and quiet," Wyatt said. "But, I have no confidence that it will really happen."
Others do, including nearly 2,000 Crawford County residents who recently signed community petitions of support for the project, documents that will be submitted to DNR decision-makers, Millikin said.
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