The Latest Bluegrass Boardwalk News

Some promising developments have recently taken place in the plan to reopen Kentucky Kingdom as Bluegrass Boardwalk in 2013. 

Developers have received preliminary approval for $3.9 million in tourism tax credits from the Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority.

The park will be eligible to start receiving the credits once Bluegrass Boardwalk has opened.  A study will be conducted to ensure that the plan meets the requirements for the credits, hence the preliminary status.  A nice write up on the latest tax developments is available here.

Developers have also released some initial details on their plans for the revitalized park:

• Goal: Open Bluegrass Boardwalk in May, 2013, with revitalized rides and water park.
• Provide: Safe, clean, friendly, fun experience for families, with “freebies” including free soft drinks, free sunscreen and free use of inner tubes.
• First year investment: $15.6 million. Additional investments will be made by Bluegrass Boardwalk, Inc., each year to ensure steady attendance growth.
• First year’s schedule: Open for 106 days in 2013.
• Destination Marketing: Staff will work with area tourism entities to create and promote destination marketing programs to ensure at least 25% of attendance will be from out of state.
• Projected Attendance Growth: 600,000 in 2013, growing to 782,864 in 2022.
• Projected Job Creation: 25 fulltime/805 seasonal in 2013, growing to 43 and 976 in 2022.
• Projected Payroll: $4.7 million in 2013, growing to $6.1 million in 2022.
• Projected State Fair Board Revenue: $880,000 in 2013, growing to $1.8 million in 2022.

The first year investment of $15.6 million is plenty enough to add a nice variety of attractions at the park, and get it cleaned up and ready to go.  They're also being more than reasonable with their attendance goals, with a realistic growth estimate over 10 years.