The Wichita Falls 4B Sales Tax Corp. on Thursday approved awarding $360,000 to a group that wants to place a collection of miniature landmarks in Kiwanis Park.
The money would be used to build a fence to certain specifications around the attraction.
Supporters said the project would include 300 exhibits and a train carrying passengers through the grounds.
The Miniature Wonders nonprofit has said the miniatures would include landmarks representing Wichita Falls, the U.S. and the world.
The group initially requested $535,000 for its project, but the 4B board tabled the item for further consideration at a meeting on April 2.
In October, the City Council agreed to lease 15 acres of the park in southwest Wichita Falls to the group for $1 a year and will have final say on the award for the fence.
Miniature Wonders representative Brett Hanes said Thursday the attraction could bring in 80,000 visitors annually, but it would need 25,000 to sustain its operation or face surrendering the lease of the park.
He said his group has collected $462,000 in corporate and individual contributions and has commitments for another $300,000. The goal to become operational is $9.13 million.
Hanes said at an earlier 4B meeting the group hopes to keep entry fees under $15 per person.
Asked about the impact on the prairie dog population at the park, Hanes said he understands the animals don’t like people and will relocate.
The Sales Tax Corp. funds come from a portion of sales taxes collected in Wichita Falls.
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Wichita Falls board approves funding for miniature park project
Reporting by Lynn Walker, Wichita Falls Times Record News / Wichita Falls Times Record News
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