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What’s going on with Oklahoma’s answer to Disney?

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What’s going on with Oklahoma’s answer to Disney?


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.

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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Bryant DE Samuel Nelson commits to Oklahoma | Whole Hog Sports

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Bryant DE Samuel Nelson commits to Oklahoma | Whole Hog Sports





Bryant DE Samuel Nelson commits to Oklahoma | Whole Hog Sports







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Oklahoma House designates April 2026 as Library Month in Oklahoma

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Oklahoma House designates April 2026 as Library Month in Oklahoma


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OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma House of Representatives has approved House Resolution 1054, designating April 2026 as Library Month in Oklahoma.

The resolution was filed by Michelle McCane, D-Tulsa, and recognizes the role libraries play in supporting education, workforce development, access to technology and community engagement across the state.

April 29 was also observed as Library Day at the Capitol, hosted by McCane in partnership with the Oklahoma Libraries Association and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. The event provided an opportunity for residents, library professionals and lawmakers to connect and discuss the impact of library services.

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“I am so excited to host the first ever Library Day at the Capitol to help advocate for our libraries and library staff,” McCane said. “Together, we can ensure that libraries continue to thrive and serve as vital resources for generations to come.”

State officials emphasized that libraries serve as critical community resources, offering educational programming, workforce support and access to information. They also highlighted libraries as “third places,” providing spaces for community interaction outside of home and work.

Library representatives from across Oklahoma participated in the event, showcasing programs such as early literacy initiatives and STEM education opportunities, particularly in rural areas.

Officials said the designation and event aim to raise awareness of the role libraries play in improving literacy, supporting communities and expanding access to resources statewide.



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Oklahoma Senate District 38 candidate Barry Christian reported missing in Beckham County

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Oklahoma Senate District 38 candidate Barry Christian reported missing in Beckham County


The Beckham County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to be on the lookout for Barry Christian, who went missing on Tuesday.

The Sheriff’s Office said Christian’s last known contact was yesterday, after he failed to appear for a scheduled meeting, and his current whereabouts are unknown.

Christian is described as a 54-year-old white male, approximately 6 ft tall and 230 lbs with blue eyes and grey hair.

Authorities said Christian is believed to be driving a charcoal gray 2024 Ram pickup.

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Oklahoma Senate District 38 candidate Barry Christian reported missing in Beckham County

If you have any information on Christian’s whereabouts, please contact your local law enforcement agency immediately or call the Sayre Police Department at 580-928-2122.

Christian is currently a candidate for Oklahoma Senate District 38.

Christian is currently running for a seat in the Oklahoma Senate.

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