A theme park based on Thomas the Tank Engine from the popular children’s show Thomas & Friends will open its first North American location in Massachusetts next year.

Thomas Land will be located within Edaville USA, a family amusement park and heritage railroad located in South Carver. The new park is currently in development by Jon Delli Priscoli, owner of Edaville USA, in partnership with HIT Entertainment, one of the world’s leading preschool entertainment companies, and a division of Fisher-Price.

"As we approach Thomas & Friends’ 70th anniversary in 2015, Thomas Land is Thomas’ next great destination and a testimony to Thomas the Tank Engine’s enduring popularity," Sid Mathur, vice president of the Americas for HIT Entertainment, said in a statement. "We’re thrilled to partner with Edaville USA to open this new family attraction that Thomas fans have been waiting for.  With its emphasis on a quality family experience, and given our long time partnership through the Day Out With Thomas tour, Edaville is the perfect partner for Thomas Land."

Thomas Land will cover 11.5 acres and contain 14 rides based on Thomas & Friends and the fictional Island of Sodor. Attractions at Thomas Land will include a 20-minute long, scenic train ride on a life-sized Thomas the Tank Engine, and theme park favorites such as a roller coaster, drop tower and Ferris wheel.

There are currently two other Thomas Lands in operation. The first opened in 1998 at Fujikyu Highland amusement park in Japan. The second Thomas Land opened in 2008 at Drayton Manor Theme Park in the UK.  Together, both parks attract nearly 3 million visitors each year.

North America’s first Thomas Land is slated to open in early summer 2015, with an official ground breaking in early July.