Pumapayam Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 (edited) That's cool about that park in Tomball. Houston goes from one theme park, to none, to two. Nice.I think the consensus among a few on here is that the Tomball "theme" park is loose at best to be considered and "theme park" in the scheme of things. It's extra hype from the media to get people excited about it.It's more like Fame City/Time Square/Main Event with outdoor activities.But a park is a park. Edited July 10, 2009 by Pumapayam 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mister X Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 (edited) And don't forget about the Kemah Boardwalk and the Downtown Aquarium. Not exactly 'theme parks' but there are rides and attractions. Something could be brewing at the Flagship Hotel Peer later this year too. We haven't heard anything about that weird Snow Mountain project in a long while, but you never know.Who knows, one day you might wake up to find that Houston has something for families to do on every side of the metro. But just to keep it in perspective, Houston doesn't have any real theme parks at the moment. However, I remain optimistic that all that will change in 2 or 3 years.Those Earth Quest renderings are amazing. This could be the quality theme park I've always dreamed Houston would have. Grand Texas looks interesting. It doesn't look like it will be a real theme park in the traditional sense when it opens, but it could still be a great place to spend a day. Also, at 100 acres it sounds like there is at least a possibility that it could turn into something big one day. A lot of big theme parks started off small, with no rides or roller coasters and grew into something major.At least Grand Texas has a website (cheezy as it may be). We've been waiting forever for an official Earth Quest website. But in this scary economy, I'm just happy that there are still signs that the project is moving forward. Edited July 10, 2009 by Mister X 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pumapayam Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 And don't forget about the Kemah Boardwalk and the Downtown Aquarium. Not exactly 'theme parks' but there are rides and attractions. Something could be brewing at the Flagship Hotel Peer later this year too. We haven't heard anything about that weird Snow Mountain project in a long while, but you never know.Who knows, one day you might wake up to find that Houston has something for families to do on every side of the metro. But just to keep it in perspective. Technically, Houston doesn't have any theme parks at the moment. However, I remain optimistic that all that will change in 2 or 3 years.Those Earth Quest renderings are amazing. This could be the quality theme park I've always dreamed Houston would have. Grand Texas looks interesting. It doesn't look like it will be a real theme park in the traditional sense when it opens, but it could still be a great place to spend a day. Also, at 100 acres it sounds like there is at least a possibility that it could turn into something big one day. A lot of big theme parks started off small and with no rides or roller coasters and grew into something major.At least Grand Texas has a website (cheezy as it may be). We've been waiting forever for an official Earth Quest website. But in this scary economy, I'm just happy that there are still signs that the project is moving forward.True, I can't argue that Grand Texas has potential, but at the moment, it's initial offering underwhelming and frankly exist in pieces in other parts of Houston. Earth Quest Adventure seems like a pipe dream still, even with the proposed renderings. I hope that it maintains it's momentum and does not get downsized or postponed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mister X Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 (edited) Earth Quest Adventure seems like a pipe dream still, even with the proposed renderings.That's what a lot of people said about the Houston Pavilions, a light rail system, the Astrodome and a lot of other things in Houston. Edited July 10, 2009 by Mister X 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citizen4rmptown Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 And don't forget about the Kemah Boardwalk and the Downtown Aquarium. Not exactly 'theme parks' but there are rides and attractions. Something could be brewing at the Flagship Hotel Peer later this year too. We haven't heard anything about that weird Snow Mountain project in a long while, but you never know.Who knows, one day you might wake up to find that Houston has something for families to do on every side of the metro. But just to keep it in perspective, Houston doesn't have any real theme parks at the moment. However, I remain optimistic that all that will change in 2 or 3 years.Those Earth Quest renderings are amazing. This could be the quality theme park I've always dreamed Houston would have. Grand Texas looks interesting. It doesn't look like it will be a real theme park in the traditional sense when it opens, but it could still be a great place to spend a day. Also, at 100 acres it sounds like there is at least a possibility that it could turn into something big one day. A lot of big theme parks started off small, with no rides or roller coasters and grew into something major.At least Grand Texas has a website (cheezy as it may be). We've been waiting forever for an official Earth Quest website. But in this scary economy, I'm just happy that there are still signs that the project is moving forward.I dont really consider the Downtown Aquarium a theme park...an attraction nonethelessThe closest thing to a theme park in Houston is the Kemah Boardwalk....it at least has a roller coasterEarth Quest seems like a resort, though....(would that mean higher prices??) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannizer Posted July 11, 2009 Share Posted July 11, 2009 And don't forget about the Kemah Boardwalk and the Downtown Aquarium. Not exactly 'theme parks' but there are rides and attractions.Don't forget about Schlitterbahn in Galveston too. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mister X Posted July 12, 2009 Share Posted July 12, 2009 (edited) Earth Quest finally has a website. No real new info about the park, but there is contact info and another new rendering. http://www.earthquestadventures.com/ http://earthquestinstitute.org Edited July 13, 2009 by Mister X 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lockmat Posted July 13, 2009 Share Posted July 13, 2009 Earth Quest finally has a website. No real new info about the park, but there is contact info and another new rendering.http://www.earthquestadventures.com/http://earthquestinstitute.orgSweet, where'd you find out about the websites? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pumapayam Posted July 13, 2009 Share Posted July 13, 2009 Earth Quest finally has a website. No real new info about the park, but there is contact info and another new rendering. http://www.earthquestadventures.com/ http://earthquestinstitute.org A well deserved +1 man. Nice work. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dp2 Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 That's what a lot of people said about the Houston Pavilions, a light rail system, the Astrodome and a lot of other things in Houston. And Tootsie's monorail network, our 150-story world's tallest, Houston Olympics, downtown subways, Disney Katy... I can't tell if that is AstroSnow covered hills or The Bolivar Ike Ride. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mister X Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 And Tootsie's monorail network, our 150-story world's tallest, Houston Olympics, downtown subways, Disney Katy...Yes, nothing EVER gets built in or near Houston. There is nothing here but an empty field with 6 million people just standing around looking at each other.Seriously, there is great reason to believe this project will be built. But if you want to only focus on the cool things that don't get built in Houston - knock yourself out and have a good life, I'm sure you'll be very happy and go far. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lockmat Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 I can't tell if that is AstroSnow covered hills or The Bolivar Ike Ride. How long until that white ice turns dirty brown? I know it won't be real ice, but can they keep something so white clean for very long? I hope so. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FalconRanch1 Posted July 16, 2009 Share Posted July 16, 2009 I think the consensus among a few on here is that the Tomball "theme" park is loose at best to be considered and "theme park" in the scheme of things. It's extra hype from the media to get people excited about it.It's more like Fame City/Time Square/Main Event with outdoor activities.But a park is a park.Your right here is the link to the video: http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/video?id=6905551 but at least Tomball residents will have a "park" I wouldnt go as far as to say a "full blown six flags theme park". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HtownWxBoy Posted July 16, 2009 Share Posted July 16, 2009 Yes, nothing EVER gets built in or near Houston. There is nothing here but an empty field with 6 million people just standing around looking at each other. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cardy Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 I think the consensus among a few on here is that the Tomball "theme" park is loose at best to be considered and "theme park" in the scheme of things. It's extra hype from the media to get people excited about it. It's more like Fame City/Time Square/Main Event with outdoor activities. But a park is a park. Fame City was the bomb back in 1986, and will the mountion in the rendering be call Mount Houston? http://www.tshaonlin...s/MM/hrmuq.html 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roadrunner Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 Still no official groundbreaking date? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KimberlySayWhat Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 (edited) I'm still skeptical about the thing as I am with anything lately. I'm not excited about it, just a tad hopefull. When/if they break ground and when I see some progress and they don't decide to scale it down, then I'll be excited. The renderings look almost too good to be true. The only thing I don't really care for is the snowy portion. I hate snow whether it's real or artificial. Especially outdoor fake snow. There's a water park at Disney with fake outdoor snow as part of the landscape/theme. I've never been, but I don't like it just from what I've seen. Edited July 23, 2009 by KimberlySayWhat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woody_hawkeye Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 Anyone got a contact for this? I am ready to start following and writing about it. Please pm me if you do. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pumapayam Posted August 10, 2009 Share Posted August 10, 2009 Anyone got a contact for this? I am ready to start following and writing about it. Please pm me if you do.Click here.http://earthquestinstitute.org/It also has a link to there official facebook fan page.I PM'd this to you as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lockmat Posted August 10, 2009 Share Posted August 10, 2009 Click here.http://earthquestinstitute.org/It also has a link to there official facebook fan page.I PM'd this to you as well.page 13 of this thread also has the link for the entire park, but i'm too lazy to go get it. school, i mean work, is about to let out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gto250us Posted August 10, 2009 Share Posted August 10, 2009 (edited) Here is Tootsie's monorail. Edited August 10, 2009 by gto250us Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HtownWxBoy Posted September 24, 2009 Share Posted September 24, 2009 Any updates? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mister X Posted September 24, 2009 Share Posted September 24, 2009 We have signage. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citykid09 Posted September 24, 2009 Share Posted September 24, 2009 We have signage.Thanks, signs don't excite me anymore. I have seen too many signs sit in places for years saying coming soon, but nothing ever happens. Hopefully that is not the case with this one. If the sign says opening 2012/2013, doesn't that mean construction should start soon? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mister X Posted September 24, 2009 Share Posted September 24, 2009 Your welcome, I live to excite you.I'm just excited that there isn't a sign on the EarthQuest property that says 'for sale'. I think this is a good sign that progress is moving forward on this project if you'll forgive the pun. This is the first physical evidence at the site that anything is happing at all - so yes, I'm a little more excited than I was the day before the sign went up.A sign isn't exactly a sworn oath under penalty of perjury that the project will be built , but it's still better than no sign. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vessmech Posted September 30, 2009 Share Posted September 30, 2009 See link below for discussion on financial backing of this project:http://www.houstondinopark.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtticaFlinch Posted September 30, 2009 Share Posted September 30, 2009 Several months ago, I spoke with the head honcho of the East Montgomery County Improvement District, who is this project's biggest advocate. Back in April or so, the plan was to break ground in the spring of next year. I doubt that plan has changed at all. The reason it was going to take so long had to do with the infrastructure upgrades necessary to support a project like this had to be completed, or at least near completion, before it could be feasible to even begin construction. I'm not sure if everyone's aware of this, but New Caney used to be a sparsely populated backwater, and with the exception of US 59 running through it, had little need for heavy infrastructure. This park changed the area's needs pretty dramatically. Building this place isn't as simple as constructing just the park. Many, many things need to be developed alongside the park in order for the park to work.I have little doubt this project will go ahead as planned. Too much work has already been done to back out now. What I'd like to see now is a better website to placate all the doubting Thomases, but from my understanding that's currently being built too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vessmech Posted September 30, 2009 Share Posted September 30, 2009 I support this park as it is currently described in the media. I believe it will bring much needed jobs and development into the county.http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/conroe/news/6641370.htmlGround breaking now scheduled for Dec 2010 (more likely 1st Qtr 2011) from the original 2008 time frame.I live 2 miles from the proposed location for this park and am inside the EMCID. My main concern is that the money loaned to Marlin Atlantis may not be repayed if this development fails. Mega projects like this take time to develop but the constant delays would lead most people to be skeptical. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted September 30, 2009 Share Posted September 30, 2009 Thanks, signs don't excite me anymore. I have seen too many signs sit in places for years saying coming soon, but nothing ever happens. Hopefully that is not the case with this one. If the sign says opening 2012/2013, doesn't that mean construction should start soon? No it means opening 2015/2016 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citykid09 Posted September 30, 2009 Share Posted September 30, 2009 (edited) I support this park as it is currently described in the media. I believe it will bring much needed jobs and development into the county.http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/conroe/news/6641370.htmlGround breaking now scheduled for Dec 2010 (more likely 1st Qtr 2011) from the original 2008 time frame.I live 2 miles from the proposed location for this park and am inside the EMCID. My main concern is that the money loaned to Marlin Atlantis may not be repayed if this development fails. Mega projects like this take time to develop but the constant delays would lead most people to be skeptical.Dec 2010 to start. That makes me mad! Why not Dec 2009, or NOW!There is a void in the market and has been for several years, but they are taking their sweet a## time to build this thing. I kind of wish they wouldn't have announced it until Dec 2010 when they actually start. Edited September 30, 2009 by citykid09 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarface Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 (edited) Shoot, just move the park south of pearland!!! New Caney is too far from the City Center anyway! Edited October 1, 2009 by scarface Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citykid09 Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 Shoot, just move the park south of pearland!!! New Caney is too far from the City Center anyway!I don't think moving it south is a good idea, it would probably get destroyed every time there is a hurricane. I think Katy would be nice or out near Hockley. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtticaFlinch Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 Dec 2010 to start. That makes me mad! Why not Dec 2009, or NOW!It's a half billion dollar project. It ain't always easy to come up with those type of funds. Perhaps you can use your personal contacts to help the metro lobby Warren Buffet to get moving quicker on this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woody_hawkeye Posted October 3, 2009 Share Posted October 3, 2009 I have lost some confidence in the project. deferrals have been going on for several years now. Changing plans, changing scope, changing financing, and of course changing the schedule. Seems like Disney just did it it Florida but that was decades ago and he was probably self financed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannizer Posted October 3, 2009 Share Posted October 3, 2009 No it means opening 2015/2016 No, more like 2013/2014 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woody_hawkeye Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 No, more like 2013/2014Maybe they are trying to time it with the new parkway? Accessibility will be important to them. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lockmat Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 (edited) The Chamber of Commerce updated their site and has some minor updates...Sept 2009 - The EarthQuest project continues to progress. The developer, Global EarthQuest Ventures, has completed the exciting design for the EarthQuest Adventures theme park and expects to break ground on the project in the next 18 months.http://www.community....php/earthquestAnd put your Patient Seat Belt on...The theme park, where construction likely won’t begin for a couple of years, she said, should attract three million visitors a year.http://www.hcnonline.../ccourt0929.txt Seems like conflicting information unless I'm just reading it out of context. edit...Were we aware of this before? Maybe so but I don't feel like going back through the thread.The dinosaur theme park will be situated toward the rear of the park and will feature several roller coasters that will go in and around the mountains constructed as a part of the theme.There will be a temperate side of the mountain which will simulate a rain-forest like atmosphere, another side will showcase volcano-like activity and yet another side will feature a snowy climate.“There are different components for each side and a centerpiece connecting all the different parts, which is like the center of the park,” McCrady said.The actual park itself is around 200 acres and several hotels are already slated to be built around the park including a hotel featuring rooms situated in the tree tops that offer a view of the park.http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2009/09/29/conroe_courier/news/ccourt0929.txt Edited October 31, 2009 by lockmat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtticaFlinch Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 The Chamber of Commerce updated their site and has some minor updates...http://www.community....php/earthquestAnd put your Patient Seat Belt on...http://www.hcnonline.../ccourt0929.txt Seems like conflicting information unless I'm just reading it out of context. edit...Were we aware of this before? Maybe so but I don't feel like going back through the thread.http://www.hcnonline.../ccourt0929.txtAbout six months ago, I called the chamber and was told ground breaking was supposed to happen this coming spring. I guess it's getting more and more difficult to garner a full half billion dollars of financing. Six months ago we were firmly entrenched in this economic meltdown, so now I'm wondering if that time frame given was just an optimistic guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Gipper Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 I'm such a pessimist I fully expect the announcement they are quitting and moving it to DALLAS... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 I'm such a pessimist I fully expect the announcement they are quitting and moving it to DALLAS...See my sig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coaster Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 See my sig.Being pessimistic is one thing. Being a clueless, cry-baby moron is another. Seriously, you should be ashamed of your sig. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted November 10, 2009 Share Posted November 10, 2009 Please refrain from name calling or take it elsewhere on the internet - there are other ways to convey your message here. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brunsonpark08 Posted November 10, 2009 Share Posted November 10, 2009 There is a huge, vacant piece of land accross from Reliant Stadium that would be perfect for a park such as this. There is also a walkway crossing the freeway to link the two areas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pumapayam Posted November 10, 2009 Share Posted November 10, 2009 (edited) There is a huge, vacant piece of land accross from Reliant Stadium that would be perfect for a park such as this. There is also a walkway crossing the freeway to link the two areas.I have to disagree with you regarding the use of "huge". It is a nice sized lot, but Astroworld was landlocked in its final years which prevented growth for new rides and themed areas.I would never want a new amusement park in that parcel without opportunities to expand. Edited November 10, 2009 by Pumapayam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woody_hawkeye Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 BTW - I heard that Six Flags is shutting down about everything. Are they going out of business? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txtiger Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 Hello all,Just FYI - I'm attending the initial EarthQuest Institute fundraising kick-off social hour/dinner/presentation next Tuesday evening (Dec. 8) up at the East Montgomery County Improvement District. Presentations will be made on both EarthQuest Adventures theme park and the Institute museum components - Chris Brown of Contour Entertainment (conceptual designers and master-planners, responsibile for the great renderings we've seen),"Dino" Don Lessem (brainchild behind the whole effort),Dr. Matt Gardner (director of EarthQuest Institute), andgentlemen from Marlin Atlantis (project developer) will all be on-hand to deliver the updated info.The physical models (which were very shortly on display about 1 year ago) will again be on display at this event.I'll do my best to provide a detailed summary of what information is delivered next week - hopefully we'll have several absolutions regarding groudbreaking for vertical structures (instead of civil infrastructure, which apparently may have already started on areas of the site), and current overall schedules for the various components of at least the entertainment half (west half) of the development.Also, maybe we'll get some details regarding specific rides and attractions within the theme park and Institute will begin to be discussed...Look for a big update from me by sometime next Wednesday (12/9) - 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProHouston Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 txtiger - Awesome! I hereby dub you King of this thread! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lockmat Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 Lookin forward to it. Please keep us updated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woody_hawkeye Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 Take photographs if you can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannizer Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 Thanks for the notice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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