"We realized the Ashtons' mission for Thanksgiving Point," Washburn said. "It is a resource for the community where people can come and have a unique, one-of-a-kind, hands-on experience, and learn and grow in a safe and beautiful and comfortable environment."

Since Washburn came to Thanksgiving Point three years ago, his main goal has been to preserve the aim of the establishment. Namely, to give back to the community.

His other goal has been to make the enterprise, which costs between $15 million and $20 million to function, self-sufficient.

"I was brought on to make Thanksgiving Point sustainable," Washburn said. "We've made tremendous progress. The Ashtons have historically been supporting this on their own, but in the last three years, we've invited other companies to help by way of sponsorships."

Washburn said Zions Bank, Larry Miller and XanGo have all become corporate sponsors, which has helped the enterprise come closer to moving from red ink to black.

The resort also has started to focus on its membership program. The business sells different levels of memberships with annual fees, ranging from $175 for a family to have access to the entire grounds, including discounts on merchandise and food, to $35 for a family to have access to child-friendly Farm Country.

Charlotte Ducos, who recently was visiting the Museum of Ancient Life with her children and a family friend, said she became a member of Thanksgiving Point so she could come more often, get discounts for her friends and save money.

"My kids like to come here," said Ducos, from Eagle Mountain. "It's something else to do that's educational, instead of just watching a movie. They move around, and they're enjoying things."

Ducos, who recently renewed her membership, also said it seems Thanksgiving Point is always adding something new to the museum and the grounds.

That's something that thrills businesses in the surrounding area.

"I honestly believe Thanksgiving Point has been that core catalyst in really catapulting the area," said Heather Miller, president of the Lehi Chamber of Commerce. "It has lit a fire to the whole area."

According to Washburn, Thanksgiving Point only plans to grow.

For example, already in the works are plans for a children's museum, which is scheduled to be completed within three years; a Marriott hotel, to be on location within one year; and construction for the Mountainland Applied Technology College campus, to be under way in a year.

"I personally think they're just beginning," Miller said. "It's going to be a great future for them. . . . The whole region is just going to be incredible. It's going to be powerful."

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E-mail: achoate@desnews.com