Story Created:
Jun 17, 2008 at 9:46 PM CST
Story Updated:
Jun 17, 2008 at 10:16 PM CST
PARK CITY, Kansas, June 17, 2008 - For Park City, the end of Wild West World may be the beginning of a new casino development. The development is possible if Florida developer AHG buys the property.
"I think we'll look at all potential uses, depending on the outcome of the bidding (Wednesday)," AHG Development representative Doug Spangler said.
According to an AHG representative, those uses would be mixed commercial and retail development. However, some people believe the real development will be an Indian casino.
"As far as the citizens are concerned, a casino would be well received in Park City," Park City administrator Jack Whitson said.
The speculation of a potential Indian casino revolves around the fact that the Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma owns ten acres east of the theme park. Land, which the tribe is already working to turn it into a casino.
A letter from the Sedgwick County Commission acknowledges the tribe's application that the land be used by, "the Wyandotte Nation for gaming purposes." Now when you take a look at the head of AHG Alan Ginsburg, you learn he has been involved in developing Indian casinos in several states.
In fact, a Time Magazine article links Ginsburg with the Wyandotte Tribe. The connection is the 7th Street Casino in downtown Kansas City, Kansas.
"I don't buy in to anything that is speculation," Park City City Councilman Emil Bergquist said.
Bergquist, who opposed the original push for a casino in Park City, says at this point the Wild West World sale is about recuperating money for the creditors. Bergquist would not say how he felt about a potential casino on the site. However, it is clear that the speculation of gambling has others in Park City excited about the potential.
"It would definitely be a huge draw for Park City," Whitson said.
For the Wyandotte Nation to build a casino on the land they own, they have to negotiate a compact with either the state or federal government. Because the Indian land is considered sovereign, there is nothing local government could do to stop the process.
