DEVELOPMENT
Frisco gives green light to Universal theme park, after extended discussion
BUILDING UNIVERSAL Universal Kids Frisco is expected to open in June 2026 in North Frisco.
UNIVERSAL THEME PARK
PANTHER CREEK PKWY.
BY ALEX REECE
turn 97.4 acres of land in the Frisco Fields development into a regional theme park designed for children ages 3-11 and set to open by June 2026, according to officials. Since the first public discussions, Universal representative John McReynolds, Universal Parks and Resorts’ senior vice president of external affairs, has emphasized the company’s desire to be a good neighbor to Frisco residents. “We’re very proud of what we bring before you,” McReynolds said. “We think it is the right fit … something that I think the city of Frisco can be proud of.” Landscape buffers for sound and immersion, limited hours of operations, and more designs have all been agreed upon by Universal representatives, according to meet- ing documents. Universal is estimated to bring $3
97.4 acres of land
designed for children ages 3-11
set to open by June 2026
FRISCO
Frisco is moving forward with plans for a Universal theme park, ending the two-month saga of public hearings, town halls and delayed decisions. Frisco City Council and the Frisco Planning and Zoning Commission approved the request to build a Universal Kids Frisco theme park during a March 7 meeting. “We want what’s going to make Frisco great,” planning and zoning chair Jon Kendall said. The council’s 4-2 vote followed a unanimous vote from the planning and zoning commission. Council members Brian Livingston and Laura Rummel were against it, with Rummel stating she wished to table the decision further. The specific-use permit sought after by Universal Resorts since its original Jan. 11 announcement will
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SOURCE: CITY OF FRISCO/COMMUNITY IMPACT
million in revenue from city sales and property taxes to Frisco annu- ally in its first 10 years, according to a meeting presentation. “That [money] goes directly to the general fund,” Mayor Jeff Cheney said. “That goes to pay for police and fire; that goes to pay for the library; it goes to pay for all the city services.” While multiple residents were upset with the decision to move forward, the time council spent speaking directly to local residents should not be ignored, some Cobb Hill residents said. Residents in Cobb Hill, an area directly across from the theme park,
were heavily involved with discus- sions about Universal. The plan for Universal is unique, Commissioner and Cobb Hill resident Steve Cone said. In the end, the decisions are not about him, Cone said. “I will vote against my personal desires in favor of this project,” Cone said. The collaboration between Uni- versal and city staff, as well as Frisco residents, has transformed Universal Kids Frisco into a better project than when it started, Cheney said. Read about some of the economic incentives between Universal and the city on Page 23.
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