Field Station: Dinosaurs Announces Management Team as Opening Date Nears for New Park In Kansas

Management Team Led by General Manager Lon Smith, Bringing Decades of Local Museum Operations and Development Experience


WICHITA, Kan., April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Field Station: Dinosaurs has announced the management team for its new 14-acre park opening outside Wichita, Kan. on May 26, 2018. Lon Smith has been named General Manager. Other newly hired members of the management team include of Bonnie Burley, Box Office Manager; Steven Howe, Site Manager and Dinosaur Technician; Lucia Fierro, Retail Manager; and Garion Masterson, Associate Producer.

“We’ve been really fortunate to find such experienced and passionate talent right here in Wichita,” said Guy Gsell, Executive Producer of Field Station: Dinosaurs.

Lon Smith is a familiar face to many in the region, having the most recently served as Chief Development Officer at the Museum of World Treasures located in the Old Town district of Wichita. Prior to that, Smith served for nearly eight years as Executive Director at the Kansas Aviation Museum where he provided the vision that led to major additions, including aircraft restoration facilities, special archives, an education/activity center and a major mechanical upgrade to the facility. Smith holds bachelors and masters degrees in Speech Communication and a Master of Public Administration degree with an emphasis on nonprofit management.

“I’m excited to be a part of the team that will open and grow this fantastic park,” said Lon Smith. “This is going to be an incredible asset to the families in our community and the whole team is excited to share it with everyone this summer.”

Thirty-four different types and more than 40 animatronic dinosaurs will be featured in the park, including the massive Alamosaurus, Velociraptor and of course, the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex.

Tickets to a special VIP evening event on May 25, the evening prior to opening day, are available now at www.KansasDinos.com.

About Field Station: Dinosaurs

Field Station: Dinosaurs is a world-class family attraction that combines cutting-edge science with the creative minds of great artists and teachers to create a one-of-a-kind experience that's thrilling, educational and fun.

Set against the natural backdrop of rolling Kansas grasslands, the Field Station is just minutes outside Wichita, Kansas. Over forty life-sized, realistic dinosaurs (including the 90-foot long Alamosaurus, among the largest animatronic dinosaurs ever made) come to life thanks to the brilliant engineering of the world's leading roboticists and the imagination of our artists. The park also includes a geodesic dome ropes course and miniature golf course, creating memorable and challenging activities for every member of the family.

The story of the dinosaurs is vividly presented on 14 acres of tall grasses, shady trees, winding trails and an outdoor amphitheatre. Scientists from the Bighorn Basin Paleontological Institute have worked to ensure that the exhibition encompasses the latest theories and discoveries in the fields of paleontology, geology, and environmental studies. Workshops, games and activities connect the story of the dinosaurs to our world today, giving new relevance to their lives and power to the tale of their extinction.

-###-

Attachment


            
Lon Smith

Contact Data