Jim Rogers has big plans for Tracy, California. Those plans include the Spirit of California, a $1.2 billion entertainment destination that includes a sizable amusement park. Recently, I had the chance to ask him a few questions about his ambitious project.
Spirit of California renderings
What inspired you to develop plans for such a large scale project? Is this project influenced by any other similar projects?
This project evolved from a motor sports park beginning. It was my view that a full scale entertainment park would be the best idea. The idea behind this thinking is to create a destination that would draw people of all interests to the park. Both young and old, for those who love motor-sports and those that love wine and golf. There is more to this destination than you have seen yet. No one is left out.
This idea has never been fully developed anywhere. Most parks are either amusement or some other single purpose destination. Any one of our venues within the park can be successful on it own, but together they become a grand slam.
In recent years, so many park and resort proposals have failed to get off the ground. Why will this project succeed when others have failed? How can you learn from those failures?
Many parks have failed and so can we. No one has a crystal ball, and no one can predict the future with any certainty… The politicians and citizens are behind us. Many failures are due to the adverse political landscape. We are fully supported by all.
Spirit of California site plan
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I am inspired by the designers that have been the creators of Epcot, Disneyland Universal Studios, We have employed these same designers and directed them to build the most grandiose dream park. They have been given the latitude to create the ultimate in every way. I push them for innovation and excellence. I push them to go far beyond what has been done before.
As this is a park that will be built in the digital age, how do you plan to incorporate technology into the overall project?
The technology being incorporated is unbelievable. We have a cashless smart card system to allow customers to use a smart card with cash down loaded at many convenient kiosk’s. This will allow patrons to purchase goods and services within the park with ease and convenience. It may sound cumbersome, but it is easy to load and easy to control kids and family members spending habits. It limits theft. If the card is lost, it can be replaced and all unused credit restored within minutes.
The project will supply its own electrical power by “waste to energy” processes, utilizing our own grass clipping and reduced to methane gas. The methane gas will power the electrical generators and water filtration plant. All water and power will be created from our own green waste from our landscaping with virtually no emissions.
Why Tracy, California? Were there any other locations that you looked at for the Spirit of California project?
The City of Tracy was chosen based on the main theory of real estate value. Location, Location, Location. Tracy is the most centrally located city in California. Both northern and southern California can enjoy the park. The population of Sacramento and the Bay area is within one hour of Tracy. Eight freeway[s] converge at Tracy. It has water access and train service. We are expanding all forms of transportation, including a new Jet Center at Stockton Airport.
I see that the theme park is only a part of the overall project. How big (% of the 1.2 billion) is the budget for the theme park?
The overall cost of the project is [$1.2 to 1.5 billion]. The reason for the range of cost is due to the amusement park design. We are wanting the design to be be cutting edge in every way. This can get costly.
Do you have land set aside for expansion should the amusement park need it?
We have over 1,000 acres of excess land besides what you see on the site plan. We are designing the park to be expandable in the future. We have acquired an additional 376 acres for a 36 hole golf course and equestrian center.
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We would like to thank Jim Rogers for taking the time to participate in this interview. You can learn more about the Spirit of California project at spiritofcalifornia.com.
What are your thoughts on the project? Do you think it stands a chance at success? Discuss in the comments section below.
I live in Tracy and even though this project (If continued) will be done when I’m in my 20’s I think it will be great for the future kids, but the traffic will be absolutely terrible.
I just moved back to the Bay Area after my husband retired from the military and we are so excited for this park to be built! Traffic will be a problem no matter what but it never stops people from getting their families to a fun destination. We were stationed 45 minutes south of Disneyland and did not mind sitting through traffic so our family could enjoy many a days at Disneyland. This park is going to do wonders for Central Valley I can’t wait to see it completed!