A new amusement park in miniature with trains, replicas of national parks and bonsai gardens near Grapevine Mills mall got the go-ahead from the Grapevine City Council Tuesday night.
Microland America plans the "world's first all-natural miniature themed entertainment attraction" at 2451 W. Grapevine Mills Circle, a company representative told the council.
The 12,675-square-foot building on about 4 acres would include several model railroads in gauges including HO and G, a 1-acre botanical garden featuring bonsai trees, a simple dining area and a gift shop.
A few nearby residents came to the meeting to protest the park because of light, noise and other concerns.
Both the Planning and Zoning Commission and the council approved the park unanimously with the stipulation that its hours be 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-9 p.m. Sunday.
Construction should start by the end of the year and the park is expected to be completed by 2015.