Lion Country Safari was founded in 1967 by a group of South African and British entrepreneurs who wished to provide a safari experience for families who would not normally be able to experience it. The park originally exhibited only lions.

Between 1967 and 1974, Lion Country Safari, Inc. opened 6 animal parks, one near each of the following American cities: West Palm Beach, Florida; Los Angeles, California; Dallas, Texas; Atlanta, Georgia; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Richmond, Virginia.

The first park, in South Florida, is the only Lion Country Safari still in operation. At one time there were parks in Irvine, California (1970-1984); Grand Prairie, Texas (1971-1992); Stockbridge, Georgia; Mason, Ohio (1974-1993) and Doswell, Virginia (1974-1993).

Many folks know that I've had a soft spot for LCS over the years, and it has been a favorite haunt of mine, even though the deterioration grows by leaps and bounds as the years go buy.

Recently I've been fielding quite a few PM's from different folks inquiring about what is going on in the area as there is quite a bit of construction going on. Rumors have been abounding and I did get some solid facts earlier in the year, but today I got direct word from the city as to the goings on out there.

So, here goes. At present all development of the Mixed Use Zoned Area (217C) has been put on indefinite hold. This includes the planned gas wells which it appeared were going to be done this year, as well as the new retail shopping center (with a possible Wal-Mart) and hotel directly across from Lone Star Park.

It was found, as if they didn't know already, during the pre-construction evaluation phase that the flood plain needed major work to ensure proper drainage for the Trinity river as development was completed. So the city in conjunction with the US Army Corps of Engineers is doing a massive underground drainage project which will take another year or so to complete.

Now I wasn't told this, but I have a feeling we may have a new drains area in DFW when they are done