There’s no indication that North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is actively planning an enormous new amusement park aimed at attracting millions of visitors. However, there has been discussion about one not directly tied to the governor specifically:
Republican Fayetteville city council member Brenda McNair proposed exploring a feasibility study for a large amusement or water park along I‑95 in Cumberland County. Economic development leaders have begun looking into what it would take to build such a park, with findings expected at a May 6, 2024, council meeting North Wilkesboro Speedway
The idea is not a gubernatorial initiative, and no site, developer, or design has been identified yet .
The Fayetteville City Council merely voted to commission a feasibility report not commit to construction or funding .
Why amusement parks are attractive for tourism:
1. Nearby states with theme parks (e.g., Florida and its Disney/Universal parks) have demonstrated significant tourism and economic effects
2. Theme parks can revitalize local economies by attracting visitors, spurring hotel and restaurant development, and boosting tax revenue potential benefits highlighted by Fayetteville officials
No, Gov. Cooper is not moving forward with a massive theme park project.
The only formal action is local interest in Fayetteville, where a feasibility study is underway to see if an amusement or water park would make sense.
If this progresses, it would be a decades long planning process, with feasibility work as a first step not a set-in-stone plan.
Would you like me to follow up when that feasibility report is public, or explore other similar projects in North Carolina or nearby states?
