Council leases 15 acres at Kiwanis Park to nonprofit for ‘Miniature Wonders’ attraction

The Wichita Falls City Council on Oct. 7 authorized the city manager to execute a lease with Miniature Wonders, a Texas nonprofit, for approximately 15 acres in Kiwanis Park to develop a cultural walking attraction of 1:25-scale replicas of local, Texas and international landmarks.

Under the approved lease the nonprofit will operate and maintain the leased acres and pay $1 per year to the city, city staff said. The project team told council the site will include four pods — mini Wichita Falls, mini Texas, mini U.S. and mini World — trails, landscaping and an on-site parking area estimated at about six acres within the leased parcel.

Project scope and partners: Kaylee, a parks staff presenter, summarized that Miniature Wonders will fully fund, operate and maintain the roughly 15-acre site inside Kiwanis Park and will be responsible for upkeep of features inside the leased boundary; the parks department will continue to maintain areas outside the leased parcel. Donna Adams, who formed the nonprofit, said the attraction will feature roughly 300 displays and that the group is working with local partners including MSU engineering and the Kemp Center for the Arts for 3-D printing and fabrication. Organizers said they are signing a contract to print 10 models a month and expect some displays to be several feet tall at 1:25 scale.

Admission, parking and timeline: project leaders estimated admission at about $14.50 per person with lower family pricing and said they expect to charge for entry because of upkeep needs. The group said it hopes to open in June next year but added infrastructure (parking, fencing and site work) is likely the longer path to completion. Kaylee said the proposed site would include a primary entrance along an existing alley to avoid competing with ball fields for park access.

Economic and educational goals: presenters said Miniature Wonders aims to draw school field trips from Wichita Falls ISD and surrounding districts and to generate donations for local charities and nonprofits over time. Donna Adams cited examples of similar attractions elsewhere that raised significant funds for local causes; she said the Miniature Wonders team intends to give part of admission proceeds back to local organizations when the operation reaches that stage.

Council discussion and public comment: council members asked about honoring local institutions such as Shepherd Air Force Base and about parking and traffic circulation; staff and organizers said an estimated six acres of the leased site would be used for parking and that an alley entrance had been discussed with city staff. Residents asked about parking capacity and potential charges for parking; organizers said parking is included in the 15 acres and further planning is underway. Questions about school partnerships and local 3-D printing partners were answered by project volunteers; the MSU engineering department was named as a partner for printing.

Formal action: council approved the resolution authorizing the lease and the city manager to execute related documents; the motion carried by voice vote.

Ending: Organizers said initial printing and display fabrication are already underway at local facilities and that fundraising for infrastructure will continue while the group finalizes construction plans.