— Theme park designer and Raleigh resident Bob Baranick, who has worked on projects around the world such as every Disney park in the world and Busch Gardens, is turning his dream for a North Carolina theme park into a reality.

Whirligig Woods, a 21-acre theme park in Saxapahaw would include thrilling rides, a haunted land, a tree house resort, and more of Baranick's imaginative ideas.

​Baranick plans to break ground in 2018 with the first phase of Whirligig Woods would open in 2019. He also has plans for a second and third park to follow in North Carolina.

Saxapahaw is located Alamance County on the Haw River less than 20 miles west of Chapel Hill.

Baranick, who has 45 years of experience in theme park design, said he is especially passionate about this project and has no doubts in the project's outcome.

"We have a seasoned team behind this,” he said.

He and his team have already purchased land for Whirligig Woods

“It’s more than just throwing money around. It has a soul. It has a meaning, and it’s very important for the future of North Carolina.”

Baranick’s wife, Carol Wood, is the art director for the project. Her background is in art and production design for film.

“I’ve watched Bob design parks, and I’ve seen them built,” Wood said. “So this is only a matter of time.”

“We have designers from Hollywood that are working on it," Baranick said. "What I really want to do is inspire the next generation to use their imagination and to dream.”