Just when we thought that Texas had plenty of unique attractions, on Jan.11, it was announced that there would be a brand new Universal Parks and Resorts built. It will be based in Frisco, Texas with the express goal of providing entertainment for families who have small children. 

Family-friendly rides, engaging entertainment, plenty of character meet and greets, original souvenirs, and savory food and beverage establishments will be abundant.  The standard will be identical to Universal’s existing larger resorts and hotels, regardless of its smaller size. However, the location will cater to a new generation of fans for the company and have a totally distinct appearance, feel, and scale from Universal’s current amusement parks.

Some would say that Frisco is an odd, out-of-place destination for this park, however, this city is an ever-growing city and is described as the “go-to place for fun.”

“Frisco is one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. and has been recognized as a great place to plant professional roots and raise a family,”  Frisco Mayor, Jeff Cheney, said. 

“We are excited about the opportunity to partner with the city of Frisco and Mayor Cheney as we work to bring this innovative, new concept to life designed specifically for a younger generation of Universal fans,” President of New Ventures, Universal Parks & Resorts Page Thompson, said.

Although there is much excitement about this project, there are numerous local Frisco residents concerned about what this means for their city. It is reported that the highest concerns are about the rise in crime rates and what it would do to traffic patterns. 

Fears about crime were raised by the councilmen as the initial topic, according to a local who referenced statistics showing a rise in criminal activity near Universal’s Orlando theme park.

 “Universal did a very good job of explaining what this park is going to be and what it isn’t going to be,” Cheney said.

 In reference to traffic issues, the city learned additional information about transportation and its effects on Jan. 17. The effect at Universal Studios will be lower than that at H-E-B, Costco, and Stonebriar Mall. 

“This will be one of the lowest, if not the lowest, traffic generator projects for the entire stretch of the tollway,” Cheney said.

Even with joy and concern about this park, there are endless possibilities for the opportunity that is being presented. For some, it might just be a theme park, but for numerous kids and perhaps even adults, it will be a magical place and will give some lifelong memories to all who go.