After almost a year of controversy and legal concerns, developers plan to have Lakeside Ashland in full swing by this summer. However, as construction progresses, residents of a nearby neighborhood worry it will threaten their safety, and the local fire code does not have a clear interpretation.
The entertainment complex plans to include an outdoor theatre, restaurants and a rope course. Project manager Nic Parks says he made the plans with families like his own in mind.
"I have a 9-year-old son and a 3-year-old daughter, so I'm thinking, 'What would we want to do? What would we enjoy?'" Parks said. "Let's come out here and watch the Disney movie." It's located right off the Route H and Log Providence Road exit of U.S. 63 in Ashland. Parks hopes the location will help bring in an audience from a wide range of locations.
"We thought it made a lot of sense because now we can draw from Jeff City, and Ashland is one of the fastest growing towns around," Parks said.