PARK CITY, Kan. (KWCH) – Gilley’s, a western-themed entertainment complex, has officially opened in Park City following years of planning and development. The launch marks a significant milestone for local economic revitalization, bringing approximately 300 new jobs to the community and aiming to draw visitors who will support surrounding businesses. n nPark City Mayor John Lehnherr described the opening as a transformative moment for Sedgwick County and the state of Kansas. He recalled the economic downturn that followed the closure of Greyhound Park in 2007, which resulted in widespread job losses and a sharp decline in local revenue. The subsequent opening of Intrust Bank Arena in downtown Wichita further diverted entertainment spending away from Park City, creating a prolonged economic gap. n nLocal officials now believe Gilley’s can reverse that trend. The complex features a restaurant, live music venue, casino, and arcade, offering a multifaceted destination for dining and recreation. Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau of Kansas District 29 emphasized the broader regional impact, noting that the project reflects effective collaboration between city, county, and state entities. She highlighted upcoming developments, including a planned hotel, as signs of sustained momentum. n nFaust-Goudeau also pointed to the symbolic importance of such ventures, suggesting they demonstrate Kansas’ ability to compete with major entertainment hubs. Park City continues to advance additional projects, including Champtown and an aquatic center, reinforcing its commitment to long-term growth. n nGilley’s opened to the public on Monday at 6 p.m. n
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Park City celebrates opening of Gilley’s as economic development milestone n
PARK CITY, Kan. (KWCH) – After years of work, Gilley’s, a western-themed entertainment complex is opening its doors in Park City. n nLocal and state leaders are hopeful that the project will continue to spur economic growth in Sedgwick County, since it has added 300 jobs to Park City. They also hope it will attract more people to the area to stay and spend money. n n“This is an exciting day for Sedgwick County, for Kansas,” said Park City Mayor John Lehnherr. n nIn 2007, Park City took a hit when it lost its major entertainment draw, Greyhound Park, along with all the jobs and revenue that came with it. n n“When the Greyhound Park closed, a lot of people were just sent home with pink slips. They had to close the doors, they had no choice,” Lehnherr said. n nAt the opening, Lehnherr spoke about how the Intrust Bank Arena in downtown Wichita affected Park City after Greyhound Park closed. n n“A few years later, that’s when the downtown arena opened up, which moved a lot of entertainment that brought people to Park City to spend their money, that gassed up, ate at our restaurants, they now went downtown. So that created quite a void for our community,” Lehnherr said. n nNow, the city, state and county hope that Gilley’s Entertainment Complex can fill that void. n nRelated Content: n nPark City leaders approve $145M STAR bond project for Champtown entertainment complex n nCasino expansion among developments underway in Park City n nThe complex currently includes the Gilley’s restaurant, a venue for live music, a casino and an arcade. n n“Years ago, when the Greyhound Track closed, a lot of people in my district lost their jobs. I think it’s going to bring revenue to our state and get people that want to go out and do something fun,” said Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau of Kansas District 29. n n“We’re just so excited about what it’s gonna bring. People for the entertainment venue, dining options, you know. They’re getting ready to break ground on a hotel in the coming weeks,” Senator Faust-Goudeau said. n nThis project has taken collaboration at the state and local level, which is something Senator Faust-Goudeau says is essential to continued growth. n n“It shows what hard work will do, and working together, sitting down and discussing the issues. You know, some people have said that Wichita is a small mayberry town, but this is showing that we can grow and keep up with Las Vegas even,” Senator Faust-Goudeau said. “We’re on the map now.” n nPark City says they are continuing to work on other entertainment developments within the city limits, including Champtown and an aquatic center. n nThe complex opens to the public on Monday at 6 p.m.
