Dig World adventure parks celebrates groundbreaking

By George Slaughter, News Editor
Posted 12/6/21

A groundbreaking-themed park first requires a groundbreaking for its construction. Dig World, the adventure park under construction at Katy Mills Mall, celebrated its groundbreaking Nov. 19.

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Dig World adventure parks celebrates groundbreaking

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A groundbreaking-themed park first requires a groundbreaking for its construction. Dig World, the adventure park under construction at Katy Mills Mall, celebrated its groundbreaking Nov. 19.

Dig World is unique in that patrons will be able to operate excavating equipment.

Dig World will be at 5000 Katy Mills Circle, on the north side of the shopping mall and east of the Bass Pro Shops in the mall. Company officials expect the park to open in March.

City Administrator Byron Hebert said the groundbreaking was unique in that the company used two backhoes for the ceremony.

“It’s the first time I’ve seen that,” Hebert said.

Hebert said city and company officials met at one time about developing the park. Hebert said the company was looking at a different location, along Highway 90. Then, Hebert said, city officials heard that the company might develop the park at Katy Mills.

“When that came about, it was like, perfect,” Hebert said. “It was entertainment, and it works well with the other things they’re trying to do out there for entertainment. It’s nice to bring in attractions such as the park because it helps to increase mall traffic.”

Lisa Connolly, Katy Mills director of marking and business development, said the mall was committed to growing, evolving, and supporting what the community needs.

“Dig World will surely enhance the family-friendly offerings of Katy Mills, providing a fun place for families to spend time together during their visit to the center,” Connolly said.

Like many patrons the park hopes to attract, Hebert has not operated any of the heavy equipment that will be at Dig World. But he’s not going to let that stop him.

“I do plan on going out there and giving it my try,” Hebert said, adding that he would begin with the smaller equipment first.

The company has partnered with Mustang Cat for the excavation equipment. Mustang Cat is a Houston-based construction supply company which has a retail outlet on the Katy Freeway.

Sam Tucker, Mustang Cat president and chief operating officer, said the company looks forward to partnering with Dig World as it showcases Mustang Cat equipment in a hands-on experience for the family.

Hebert praised Mustang Cat and its equipment.

“You’re on legitimate equipment,” Hebert said. “It should be fun to go out and play in the dirt.”

Park patrons must be of a certain height to use the equipment. Most equipment requires the operator to be at least 3½ feet (or 42 inches) tall.

“They’ve got a kid version of some of the equipment,” Hebert said. “It’s all good.”

The equipment will be the featured attraction of the park. Yet, the company intends for it to a site for parties and corporate events. Towards that end, a pavilion is being built and outdoor games will be available for patrons to enjoy.

The company has partnered with the Texas A&M University Department of Construction Science for educational materials.

Dig World is hiring staff, including a hospitality manager and an operations director. The company said it is set to expand operations over the next 24 months to various locations across the country.

Box T Construction will build the park. Trivium Advisors will develop the park.

Hebert said Dig World is one of several projects in development at the mall. He said an announcement is expected next week on some of those projects.

“They’ve got some other things almost done,” Hebert said.

Dig World, Katy Mills, Construction, Park