A $2.5 billion theme park in Oklahoma designed to rival Disney has stalled after a year of no construction progress.
When announced in 2023, the American Heartland Theme Park and Resort, which was set to occupy a 1,000-acre plot in northeast Oklahoma, had an opening date scheduled for 2026. With a $2.5 billion price tag, the park was planned to be the size of Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Florida.
Despite breaking ground on the development last year, the park has not seen progress since, and the opening date has been pushed back by at least three years, according to construction officials.
The park’s design team, which includes former Disney Parks builders and “Imagineers,” told local media that several key permissions were needed before construction could continue.
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“We’ll still have to wait a while for Corps of Engineer approvals,” Steve Hedrick, the executive producer, told Tulsa World in October.
“We still have some inspections that they need to do. We did some land swaps for some wetlands,” he continued. “So all of that is yet to be done, but as soon as that’s done—at least on a construction end—we’ll be ready to go. We’re within weeks of getting ready.”
A rendering of the American Heartland Theme Park in Oklahoma. Despite breaking ground a year ago, the park has seen little progress. A rendering of the American Heartland Theme Park in Oklahoma. Despite breaking ground a year ago, the park has seen little progress. American Heartland Theme Park
Another setback hit the development when Oklahoma state legislators denied a $35 million grant that would have provided water and waste infrastructure to the site.
Newsweek contacted the office of Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt for comment on the development.
According to developer Mansion Entertainment Group, the park—with a planned camping area of 750 RV spaces and 300 cabins—would be the largest camping ground in the central U.S. once completed.
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However, several stakeholders in the park have said the project owed them money. In May, the Canadian design firm Forrec filed a lien in an Oklahoma court against Mansion Entertainment, alleging the developers owed it more than $5 million in unpaid invoices.
OGB Holdings, which owns the property and premises of the theme park and camping ground, also alleged the project owed it more than $300,000.
While the project was originally given a $2 billion budget, costs increased to $2.5 billion. In May, Kristy Adams, Mansion’s senior executive vice president of marketing, told NonDoc Media that the company was “working on a new timetable.”
“We’re confident with the team that we have, if we get rolling, that we can still produce the park in time,” Adams said. “So, and I know that’s an optimistic approach, but we do have a world-class team together.”
She added, “We always said we were going to open in 2026, so probably later in 2026, but yeah, we haven’t announced any delays.”
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The Care Center of Oklahoma sent a message to Oklahomans about child abuse prevention on Wednesday.
“One of the biggest safeguards that we see against abuse is when caregivers and parents really work to have open communication with their children. It can provide them opportunities to talk about hard things,” said Shelby Lynch, Director of Prevention and Outreach at the Care Center.
The Care Center advised that it is never too early to start having conversations with children.
“One important thing to do is make sure that they understand that their privates are private. Their private areas are anything that’s covered by a swimsuit,” Lynch instructed.
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Teaching children the anatomically correct names for their private parts eliminates confusion, the Care Center added.
“It’s also important that kids understand that they do have a right to say ‘no’ to any type of touch that they don’t want,” whether that be from a family member, friend or stranger, Lynch shared.
Another important lesson to teach your children is the difference between a secret and a surprise, the Care Center said.
“Surprises are good things that make other people feel happy inside and something that’s kept to ourselves for a very short amount of time,” Lynch began. “Secrets are things that can make you feel sad or scared, or that you’re not safe.”
For those who know the pain of abuse, the Care Center feels hopeful, it said.
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“Just because they have experienced abuse does not mean that they’re doomed for life. As long as they have caring adults in their lives that are going to advocate for them, they’re going to be ok. There is a lot of hope and a lot of healing that comes from something really terrible,” Lynch stated.
All Oklahomans are mandated reporters of suspected child abuse. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, contact the Department of Human Services. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
NORMAN — University of Oklahoma head softball coach Patty Gasso announced the addition of six signees to the program’s top-ranked 2025 recruiting class Wednesday. Sophia Bordi, Lexi McDaniel, Kai Minor, Allyssa Parker, Kendall Wells and Berkley Zache will join the Sooners as freshmen for the 2026 season.
The six signees represent six states. Parker stays in her home state of Oklahoma, Bordi joins OU from New Jersey, McDaniel is from Missouri, Minor travels east from California, Wells hails from Georgia and Zache is from Michigan. Oklahoma’s elite 2025 recruiting class features numerous all-conference, all-state and All-America honors, as well as state championships.
“Our staff is very pleased to sign another No. 1 class in the country,” said Gasso, who is in her 31st season with the Sooners. “This group of six represents one of the most athletic and powerful recruiting classes we have ever assembled. The thought of merging them with our returners next season is incredibly intriguing. It’s an extremely talented class that will help keep our program at the top.”
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SOPHIA BORDI / RHP / MERCHANTVILLE, N.J.
A right-handed pitcher from Haddon Heights High School in Addon Heights, N.J. … Two-time Gatorade New Jersey Player of the Year … Has led her team to two state titles and earned tournament MVP honors … Three-time team MVP … Three-time first-team all-state selection … Three-time first-team all-conference honoree … Named Curios Post Pitcher of the Year as a sophomore and junior … Volunteers with the Dreamality foundation.
CLUB: Plays her travel ball with OC Batbusters Stith … Named co-MVP of the Alliance National Championship … Two-time Alliance National Champion (2022, 2023).
PERSONAL: Daughter of Danielle and George Bordi … Has two siblings (George and John) … Enjoys baking and cooking, fitness and health … Intends to major in communications and sports media.
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OU HEAD COACH PATTY GASSO ON BORDI:
“Sophia brings a lot to the table. She is an elite pitcher, having won championships in both high school and travel ball. She is also elite offensively. She brings power from the right side and we expect her to be an integral part of our program. I’m very excited about Sophia’s future as a Sooner.”
She’s a two-time New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year and a three-time first-team all-state selection 🏆
A right-handed-hitting infielder from St. Joseph Christian School in St. Joseph, Mo. … Plays softball at the travel ball level as her school does not sponsor a program … Also stars in basketball and earned two district titles while adding all-conference, all-district and offensive MVP accolades … National Honor Society member and secretary … High honor roll student … Interact Club member … Volunteers with multiple organizations including Mosaic Hospital, the Elementary Basketball League, the Salvation Army and Soles for Christ … Alliance Players Advisory Committee member.
CLUB: Plays her travel ball with Aces Fastpitch 18U National … Named the Aces Fastpitch Organization Offensive Player of the Year … Club’s all-time leader in hits (578), home runs (93), RBIs (413) and runs scored (461) … Named to multiple Extra Innings All-Summer teams.
PERSONAL: Daughter of Keith and Dana McDaniel … Has one sibling (Cody) … Father played baseball at Missouri Western State … Grandfather is in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame for fastpitch … Enjoys growing in her faith, traveling and spending time with friends and family … Intends to major in business before pursuing a law degree and becoming a sports agent.
OU HEAD COACH PATTY GASSO ON McDANIEL:
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“Lexi is a versatile athlete who I’ve seen play all infield positions. She also has an elite bat and has increased her power in the last year. I consider her one of the most powerful hitters in the 2025 class. She can change a game with one swing and we are looking forward to having her play a large role in our offensive attack.”
93 career home runs. 413 career RBIs. 578 career hits. 🤯
A left-handed-hitting outfielder from Orange Lutheran High School in Orange, Calif. … Career .465 hitter with a .561 on-base percentage, 112 hits, 13 home runs, 52 RBIs, 96 runs scored and 48 stolen bases on a 98% success rate … Has led her team to three Trinity League championships and a runner-up finish at the California Division 1 Southern Section tournament … Two-time CIF Division 1 First Team honoree … Trinity League MVP … Three-time OC Register All-Orange County First Team selection … Three-time SB Live All-State pick … Three-time member of the LA Times All-Star and Cal-Hi Sports All-State teams … named the Cal-Hi California Freshman of the Year … Co-MVP of the Michelle Carew Classic and three-time all-tournament selection at the event … Holds a 4.2 GPA and has been an honor roll student in each semester.
CLUB: Plays her travel ball with OC Batbusters Stith … Batted .539 during the 2023-24 season and reached base at a .576 clip while producing 166 hits, 31 home runs, 36 doubles, 11 triples, 119 RBIs, 138 runs scored and 29 stolen bases … Named to the all-tournament team at the Alliance 18U Championships … MVP of the Alliance Super Cup … All-tournament selection at IDT, TCS Nationals and Zoom into June … Has led her club to two Alliance Tier 1 championships, two IDT championships, two Alliance Super Cup titles, a pair of Top Club national championships and three TCS Nationals top-two finishes … Club teammate of current Sooner student-athletes Ella Parker, Maya Bland, Gabbie Garcia, Corri Hicks, Abigale Dayton and Ailana Agbayani.
PERSONAL: Daughter of Marshall and Tamica Minor … Has two siblings (Marshall III and Zoe) … Enjoys spending time with friends and family, attending concerts and listening to music … Intends to begin a pre-medicine route and major in health sciences.
OU HEAD COACH PATTY GASSO ON MINOR:
“Kai is a speedy left-hander who can hit with power or drop a bunt at any time. She is a complete athlete with power, speed and agility. Kai has earned many honors both in high school and with the Batbusters organization, and has been training hard to be ready as soon as she arrives on campus. That type of mindset will serve her well throughout her career. She will be a nightmare for opposing pitchers.”
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Six club championships, three all-state selections and a .465 career prep batting average to go with electrifying speed ⚡
A right-handed pitcher from Pocola High School in Pocola, Okla. … 2024 Gatorade Oklahoma Player of the Year … 2A-11 District Player of the Year … Four-time county tournament MVP … Owns three state runner-up finishes with Pocola … Led her basketball team to the 2022 2A State title and earned tournament MVP honors … Guided Pocola to a slowpitch state championship … Honor roll student … Class president … Student council vice president … National Honor Society member.
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CLUB: Plays her travel ball with Aces Fastpitch … Has led her club to an AFCS national runner-up finish … Named to multiple AFCS all-tournament teams.
PERSONAL: Daughter of Camilla May and Joseph Parker … Has four siblings (Sophia, Gatlynn, Georgia and Zoeigh) … Enjoys pickleball and driving around with her friends … Intends to major in education administration.
OU HEAD COACH PATTY GASSO ON PARKER:
“Allyssa is the most versatile athlete of this 2025 class. She can do it all. She will find time on the mound, is a talented shortstop and she caps it off by being an elite, powerful hitter. Our lone Oklahoman, Allyssa will be a fan favorite and she has the potential to be mentioned in the same breath as Keilani Ricketts. I’m very excited about her future as a Sooner.”
The flamethrowing Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year is staying home 🔥
A right-handed-hitting catcher from North Oconee High School in Bogart, Ga. … Has produced 127 hits, 55 home runs, 184 RBIs, 148 walks, 162 runs scored and 62 stolen bases while slashing .625/.775/1.595 for a 2.370 OPS as a prep … 2024 Gatorade Georgia Player of the Year finalist … Named to the 2023 GACA Juniors All-Star Game and won the home run derby with a record 49 homers … Tied the state home run record as a sophomore with 24 when she led North Oconee to a third-place finish at the state tournament … 2023 NFCA All-Region First Team … 2023 GACA AAAA and GACA AAAA Player of the Year … first-team all-state and all-region as a sophomore … 2023 Georgia Lottery Scholar Athlete … Named to the 2021 GACA All-State First Team and guided her team to a runner-up finish at the AAAA State Tournament … Two-time all-region and 2024 first-team all-state selection in basketball with career averages of 12.2 points and 9.5 rebounds … Four-year member of the Beta Club … Earned the EPOCS Award for AP Calculus … Instructs softball and basketball camps at her high school.
CLUB: Plays her travel ball with Georgia Impact 18U Premier … 2024 PGF Futures All-American … Selected to the 2023 and 2024 Triple Crown Futures All-Star Game … Career slash line of .447/.517/.799 for a 1.316 OPS with 155 hits, 32 home runs, 156 RBIs, 52 walks and 98 runs scored across 145 games played.
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PERSONAL: Daughter of Ken and Greer Wells … Has three siblings (Karlee, Kourtney and Kamryn) … Enjoys pickleball, being outdoors and hanging out with friends and family … Intends to major in health and exercise science.
OU HEAD COACH PATTY GASSO ON WELLS:
“The best catcher in the 2025 class is Kendall Wells. She is the complete package. She has great catching fundamentals with a very strong arm. She also swings an extremely strong bat and will change games with one swing. On top of all that, she’s an effective leader and I foresee her being a team captain one day.”
She’s got 55 career homers, 184 RBIs, a .625 lifetime batting average and was named an All-American last season 🫡
A right-handed pitcher from Saint Joseph High School in South Bend, Ind. … 2023 MaxPreps All-America First Team selection … Three-time all-state honoree … Three-time all-conference selection … 2024 conference MVP … Led Saint Joseph to the 2022 Class 3A State Championship … Holds her program’s single-season records for strikeouts, ERA, no-hitters, perfect games, consecutive scoreless innings and shutouts … National Honor Society member … High honors student … Has logged over 80 hours of volunteer service as a prep.
CLUB: Plays her travel ball with Virginia Unity-Johnson … Two-time PGF All-American … Has led her club to two top-five national finishes at the PGF championships.
PERSONAL: Daughter of Bobby and Leslie Zache … Has one sibling (Riley) who is a freshman softball player at Oklahoma … Mother played softball at Ferris State … Father was a track and field athlete at Western Michigan … Uncle (Tommy Stilson) played baseball at Stanford … Aunt (Kelli Martin) played softball at Western Michigan and Bethel … Aunt (Kendra LeBold) played softball at Bethel … Enjoys working with animals at the Humane Society, reading, going for walks with her family, cooking with her mom and working out … Intends to major in veterinary medicine … Last name is pronounced zah-KAY.
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OU HEAD COACH PATTY GASSO ON ZACHE:
“Berkley is one of the best young pitchers in the country. She has height and levers that help her own things when she’s on the mound. Her variety of pitches is what makes her so effective when it comes to strikeouts. I’m looking forward to watching Berkley grow as a pitcher with Coach (Jen) Rocha and dominate. She’s another player with a bright future.”
A two-time PGF All-American, three-time all-state selection and a MaxPreps All-American 👊
The Oklahoma Sooners are 10 games into the season and haven’t found a consistent answer at quarterback in 2024. That’s such an anomaly for OU Football, a place that features four Heisman winners over the last 25 years and several more finalists. Poor quarterback play isn’t the norm in Norman.
The problems on offense are many. The offense has struggled with injuries, which has certainly impacted everyone around the quarterback. At the same time, turnovers in key situations once again killed any chance the Sooners had of winning a hard-fought game.
The Sooners’ defense gave Oklahoma a chance to win the football game. When OU only needed a field goal to beat the Tigers, Jackson Arnold fumbled the ball, and the game away.
Twice this season, turnovers have led to changes at quarterback. Arnold had another critical turnover on a night when he wasn’t productive in the offense, throwing for just 74 yards and 3.1 yards per attempt.
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He and true freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. have each shown some good things this season. Neither has been able to stake their claim to the starting quarterback job with much authority.
Earlier this season, Brent Venables didn’t rule out the idea of using both quarterbacks in a game. With two games to go, the time may be now to do so.
What Oklahoma does at quarterback in 2025 is one of the bigger storylines ahead of the upcoming offseason. The Sooners have two more games to figure out if either guy can be counted on to be the guy next year or if they need to go into the transfer portal for a veteran quarterback option.
As the Sooners give some of the younger guys some snaps over the next few weeks, finding a scripted series or two for Hawkins could be good for his development. The last time he was on the field was early in the first quarter against South Carolina. He’s a better player than those first three series revealed.
Though Casey Thompson provides you with an experienced voice in the quarterback room, does it make sense to put him on the field and take valuable developmental snaps away from your young quarterbacks? I don’t think so. His experience is valuable, but in a lost season, you have to keep developing players and Arnold and Hawkins deserve the opportunity to finish the season on a high note.
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Alabama and LSU will be tough matchups for whoever they put at quarterback. However, the Sooners should create an opportunity for Arnold and Hawkins to compete for snaps and playing time.
If practice is where players sharpen each other, allowing them to compete for playing time could be a catalyst for the final two games of the season and, perhaps, the future.
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