Roswell, New Mexico, where a UFO weather balloon UFO famously crashed in 1947, is planning to open an alien-themed amusement park that could open in 2010. The centerpiece of the Alien Apex Resort would be an indoor rollercoaster meant to simulate an alien abduction. From the Associated Press:
The proposed park initially will cover 60 to 80 acres with room to expand to 150 acres. It will feature other rides and attractions, including an exhibit hall with information on scientific exploration of the universe.
"It's not just about the Roswell Incident and did it happen," said (concept designer Bryan) Temmer, of Land O' Lakes, Florida…
The town's biggest tourism attraction is the International UFO Museum and Research Center, which has drawn 2.5 million visitors since opening in 1992.
Previously on BB:
• UFO museum founder, "Flying Saucer" news release author dies Link
• Book: "Abducted: How People Come to Believe They Were Kidnapped by Aliens" Link
UPDATE: BB reader and Roswell resident Curtis Stinnett writes:
I tend to doubt this theme park will ever be built. Sure Roswell draws plenty of people who get off of I-10 or I-40 to make a 200 mile side trip to see what the fuss is about. That's the problem. It's a side trip. It will always be a side trip. We're a city of 50,000 people that is 180 to 200 miles from someplace larger and 120-130 miles away from the nearest Interstate highway.
I deliver mail in downtown Roswell within a half a block from the UFO museum. I'm amazed that so many people come here. Before 1980 or so, no one knew we were here. Now I see license plates from all over. Heck, I met a postie from England once while delivering mail. And I will confess that the UFO museum presents a balanced look at the controversy. Note: I am NOT a believer.
The sad thing is that there is other stuff to see here. Did you know that the Father of Modern Rocketry, Dr. Robert H. Goddard came here to conduct his experiments after he was run out of Massachusetts? One of our high schools is named after him. And one of his rocket gantries sits in front of our art museum. I'm not sure if it's still there, but there used to be a replica of his workshop inside the museum.
Carlsbad Caverns are close by. So are the haunts of Billy the Kid. The live version of Smokey the Bear came from a fire 70 miles west of here and has his own museum there. John Chisum of the Chisum Trail fame had his ranch just south of here. I'm an hour away from the Triple Crown racing of Quarterhorses.
But a theme park built around the 'alien' experience. It would suck people away from walking downtown Roswell and then fold. I'm sorry but we're just too far off the beaten path to make this work.
