Legoland Plans Unveiled for Hudson Valley, Open House Scheduled

Goshen, NY — Proposed plans for a new amusement park in Orange County were unveiled Tuesday at a special meeting in Goshen.

Merlin Entertainments PLC would like to build the Legoland New York theme park and resort, to open as early as 2019, according to information provided by a spokesman.

The park would be Merlin’s third site in the United States; the others are in Florida and California.

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“We believe this location, just an hour from New York City and approximately three hours from Boston and Philadelphia, is the absolute perfect site for an entertainment brand as compelling as Legoland,” said John Ussher, Senior Divisional Director, Legoland Development. “We would be honored to join the Goshen/Orange County community and are confident local and regional residents, in addition to international travelers coming to New York, would have a fantastic experience at the park.”

A public open house is scheduled for Thursday, July 7, where the community will have an opportunity to see preliminary design concepts and speak with Legoland representatives.

The park would have more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, including Lego models and a Legoland Hotel.

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus called the project family friendly and said it would have an enormous impact on job creation for the county.

“It can be a regional game changer in ways no other project contemplated in recent history has been,” he said. “I know many Orange County residents want more details on Legoland and I am looking forward to the start of the public outreach on the project this week.”

Merlin representatives said the park is expected to create hundreds of new jobs, with additional construction jobs during its creation.

Merlin Entertainments PLC operates more than 100 attractions, 13 hotels and four holiday village in 23 countries, across four continents. It employees about 27,000 employees, according to a spokesman.

Photo credit: Legoland.com.