Survey results mixed for theme park

COLUMBUS - The results are in.

A recent survey conducted by board members of the In The Beginning-Family Christian Theme Park Inc., showed the majority of the respondents were in support of a Christian-based theme park in Columbus.

Dennis Parker, who has spearheaded the effort to construct the facility in Columbus, said 250 surveys were distributed to 10 area businesses for people to fill out. During the two weeks the surveys were out earlier this month, 62 people responded, which Parker said was encouraging.

"Twenty five percent out of 250 was pretty good by our estimates," Parker said.

The surveys asked questions such as whether the respondents would go to a Biblical theme park, why would they come and how much they expect to pay for admission.

According to the results, the majority of those who responded, 51 people, said they would support a Christian theme park. Of those who said they would they said their main reasons were to see dramas and/or musicals and learn more about Biblical history.

The 11 who said they would not go to a biblical theme park said they would find it distasteful, don't think a theme park is consistent with the teachings of the Bible and that they attend amusement theme parks solely for the rides, not for educational purposes.

Parker, of Columbus, has made a replica of what he hopes the nondenominational theme park would look like.

Included in that plan are various scenes from the Bible, including the Garden of Gethsemane, Golgotha, New Jerusalem, the Garden of Eden and Noah's Ark.

There are eight reasons Parker said he would like to build a Christian theme park in Columbus:

Enhancement of family structure according to Biblical teaching.

Awareness of Biblical truths and values.

Interpretation of Biblical passages.

Cultural awareness.

Youth programs.

Internship for college students.

Holiday celebrations, retreats, conventions, musicals and dramas.

Employment for various skills and ages.

No land for the park has been bought, but Parker has said that one place where the park could possibly be built is east of the college and south of Lake North. He estimates the cost of land and construction to be in the millions.

Because of the positive responses from the survey, Parker said the organization will continue with its push for the park. Soon they will begin having fund-raisers to help raise money for the theme park and are currently in the process of becoming a tax exempt organization.

Parker said if anyone has questions about the theme park to contact him through e-mail at dlparker25@yahoo.com. Those wishing to make a donation can do so through an account at First Nebraska Bank called In The Beginning or through the mail at P.O. Box 21, Columbus, NE 68601.

Reach Julie Blum at 563-7535 or jblum@columbustelegram.com.