NBA star Kevin Durant’s 35V firm part of new ownership group for Six Flags America site in Bowie



NBA star Kevin Durant’s 35V firm part of new ownership group for Six Flags America site in Bowie

An NBA star who hails from Prince George’s County is buying the site of the decommissioned Six Flags America amusement park in Bowie.

County Executive Aisha Braveboy announced Wednesday that Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant’s 35V investment firm and Atlanta-based real estate firm TPA Group are buying the 515-acre site. The purchase price was not disclosed.

“We are excited about the vision, energy and opportunity this new ownership team brings to the former Six Flags site. This is a major step forward for Prince George’s County and a meaningful opportunity to elevate this property into a destination development,” Ms. Braveboy, a Democrat, said in a press release.

The county executive said residents will be able to weigh in on how the site is redeveloped.

Plans for the site center on entertainment and mixed-use development. County Council member Wada Blegay, at-large Democrat, told WTOP that amusement activities will be a part of whatever eventually replaces Six Flags America.

The 50-year-old amusement park was decommissioned in November, and its Hurricane Harbor water park, which operated annually from May through October, was shuttered in September.

Ms. Braveboy noted Wednesday at a news conference the seasonal operations of the two parks, which she said produced only $3 million in annual revenue for the county.

“I’m looking at an entertainment destination that could include an amusement experience, but not a seasonal experience … we’re looking at mixed commercial uses at this site,” she said.

She also said she expects a sports component in the redevelopment plans, given Mr. Durant’s NBA background. The basketball star was raised in Seat Pleasant.

Officials hope the redevelopment would allow for the county government to rely more on commercial taxes as opposed to property taxes.

“With 515 acres of prime real estate, we have an opportunity now to really have that strong conversation about shifting the burden from our property taxpayers to our commercial users and that’s really what we’re focusing on,” Ms. Braveboy said at the press conference.