‘Ark’ Theme Park to Teach Creationism
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015
Families looking for a Biblical-based vacation experience might consider a new theme park that teaches lessons on creationism—and is prepared for a major flood.
The Ark Encounter theme park contains a full-size, wooden ark made in the likeness of Noah’s ark that is described in Genesis 6. The ark is part of a 800-acre theme park that also will feature themed restaurants and a petting zoo, according to Dezeen magazine.
Located near Williamstown, KY, the theme park is being developed by 501(c)(3) group Crosswater Canyon Inc., which is run by Answers Genesis.
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| The Troyer Group |
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When complete, the ark will be 508 feet long and 79 feet tall. Answers in Genesis says it will be the largest wooden structure in the U.S., but Dezeen notes it has a concrete shell. |
The Kentucky-based group—which describes itself as an apologetics ministry that focuses on answering questions regarding creation, evolution, science and the age of Earth, and also runs the Creation Museum nearby—said it is building the ark to help remind Christians about the Bible’s account of the Ark.
Ark Design
According to Dezeen, the ark will be about 508 feet long and 79 feet tall. The Ark Encounter website says when complete, the ark will be the largest timber-frame structure in the United States when it is completed in the summer of 2016.
However, as Dezeen notes, the construction images show a concrete inner shell.
“The ark is based on the dimensions recorded in the Bible and was designed in accordance with sound, established nautical engineering practices of the biblical era,” Answers in Genesis told Dezeen.
“Through the construction of a massive full-scale Noah’s Ark, the Ark Encounter will present America and other nations with a reminder of the Bible’s account of the ark and the faithfulness of Noah.”
The Ark is being built by Mishawaka, IN-based The Troyer Group, which describes itself as a leader in sustainable design. Dezeen said that Amish carpenters are using modern techniques and tools, but much of the wood came from areas damaged by plagues of beetles or from sustainable forests.
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| Ark Encounter |
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In addition to the ark, the $86 million theme park will include themed restaurants and a petting zoo, as well as other creationism-based activities.   |
According to Dezeen, the ark will feature a curved bow, stern and sides and contain three floors of exhibits, including model dinosaurs.
“Scripture does not discuss the shape of Noah’s Ark beyond the overall proportions of length, breadth, and depth,” Answers in Genesis told Dezeen.
Scope of the Project
Dezeen reports that the theme park is expected to cost $86 million. So far, according to the Ark Encounter website, the group has raised nearly $24 million of the projected $29.5 million ark project through donations and future boarding passes. The rest of the project, the group said, will be funded and built over time.
The park is expected to employ 900 people. Between 1 million and 2 million visitors are expected to visit the park during its first year, Dezeen said. But in true Genesis fashion, the park will remain open only for 40 days and 40 nights during the summer—a reference to the number of days rain is said to have fallen during the Biblical flood.
Tagged categories: Building Envelope; Concrete; Construction; Wood
