Avatron’s Dave Garrett: Theme park built on special effects could come ‘out of the ground’ this year, open by 2018
Avatron USA Development LLC plans to build a massive, high-tech special effects theme park in Emerson just of LakePoint Sporting Community. David Garrett, who’s the leader of the project, joined us on Hometown Headlines Radio Edition on WRGA on Thursday. Below please find a few of comments on what we can expect as the project moves forward. You can hear the entire interview by clicking the SoundCloud file above.
Avatron started as a concept using some of the creativity of special effects experts behind a lot of today’s games. The concept: “Find ways to kind of use their skill set” but in a different way, says Garrett. To do so, the park would need to be built with “absolutely, the most up-to-date technology possible.”
And while word only got out this week, courtesy of a development of regional impact application with planners, Garrett says “we pretty much far along,” adding,”We’ve been working on this for quite a while.” The “we” includes a “global group” of supporters.
One key thing is that the financing appears in order. While the group will seek to take advantage of the state’s incentives to lure new theme parks, the rest of the money is being secured, he says. Development costs could top $480 million.
So when does it open? July 2018 is the working number but Garrett quickly adds, “We’ll be going out of the ground this year.” He hopes to open ahead of the deadline three summers from now.
Once open, Garrett expects the theme park to employ up to 1,200 people. Thanks to the hotels and other amenities planned for Avatron, Garrett says as many as 2,000 jobs could be included. Another perk: Given the park’s high tech nature, Garrett says these will be high-paying jobs, some above $80,000.
He concurs with one media report about the annual economic impact estimate: Perhaps $8 million a year in sales taxes in year one; up to $16 million in the secod year. They’re still calculating the property tax impact.
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Avatron describes the park as follows: “Totally immersive, technology driven theme park drawing on the expertise of Hollywood’s leading Visual Effects Professionals. Project will also include up to 2 hotels initially along with retail operations both within the park and outside of theme park but on project land. Project may also include a music performance venue.”
The company is purchasing 713 acres from Paga Mine Properties, according to the DRI statement. The completion date is July 2018. The application was filed Tuesday with the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission for review.
Here’s an overview of the park proposal, again from Avatron:
“Unlock your imagination as you enter the doors of Avatron Park, your destination to a new world where entertainment meets fantasy and perception becomes reality. Patrons, young and old, create their own 3D avatar and embark on a voyage through the corridors of a virtual realm. Each step forward, guest are more and more entranced by an immersive and interactive experience created with 3D videos, motion capture, 4D sensory technologies, holograms, and augmented reality. Interacting with RFID wristbands and Kinect sensors, the digital theme park transforms reality into an intriguing quest of characters, folklore, legends, and customs.
“Advanced technology features enable designers to create a unique and limitless experience which extends beyond the walls of Avatron Park through simulated treasure hunts, digital games, and virtual worlds and engages guests to continue to relive the experience within the Park as well as in their own homes. Cutting-edge technology keeps audiences engrossed, intrigued, and encourages them to return. Avatron Park also creates an opportunity for engaging the visitor pre and post arrival.
“Nightlife at Avatron Park is transformed into an epic journey of music, dancing, and fun. Through the use of sound, light, motion, video, and projection technologies, Avatron offers partygoers a night to remember. After hours, Avatron Park transforms into a nightclub and 10,000 seat amphitheater for memorable music events and DJ concerts.”
