The reality of opening a New Whalom Park in Central Massachusetts, cannot be achieved without successful completion of the following phases of development:
The primary focus is research. There are many things that need to be looked into before you move onto the next phases:
Market Area
Key to a successful park is an adequate market within the city to 120 miles. A park can get some additional guests that live up to 200 miles. You need a population with adequate disposable income to support the required expenditures of operating the park. The bulk of the attendees at regional parks are day-trippers. Regional parks require repeat business to be successful.
Location
An adequate site is critical. the site must be appropriate for the plans you have for your attraction. You must also take into account the needed land for not only the attraction itself, but parking, buffer zones, and back stage area such as maintenance and food buildings. You will also want room for expansion. The topography of the land should also be taken into account since it can be used to support your planed park.
Access to the site is important. You want your guests to be able to find and arrive at your park with ease.
Zoning
Appropriate zoning of the site is critical. A long drawn-out battle to change zoning classification is highly undesirable. The theme park developer has no interest in becoming involved in a battle for zoning change.
Part-Time Labor Pool
The availability of a large pool of part-time labor is a real asset for a locality hoping to land a destination attraction. College students, spouses of military personnel, and housewives seeking temporary or part-time employment are key sources. Location near a college or a military base is particularly desirable.
Weather
Weather has a direct bearing on the number of days a theme park can operate and, hence, on its potential profitability. Initially theme parks were designed to operate year round, but now many can be successful with 140-150 days of operation. Warm, rain-free weather is most desirable, particularly during the period April 1 to November 1.
The second phase is to raise funds, gain shareholder support, and generate public support with an eye for securing locally zoned commercial property.
The third phase will involve detailed planning, layout of the new park with sensitivity for safety, easing traffic congestion, and convenience. At the same, time sponsors and business partners will be invited to submit their proposals for space requirements and operation within the park.
Finally it's time to set of guidelines, operating procedures and standard regulations such as admission charges, hours of operation, seasonal changes, parking rates and season pass requirements will be drawn up by the representatives of the ‘New Whalom Park Ownership Program’ membership committee.
