Earth Quest Adventures

[Coaster]

I really hope this comes to fruition, but it seems like the type of thing that could be a disaster and lose a ton of money, if it ever even gets started.

2 of my concerns are:

1. The "green" theme. That can easily come across as too heavy-handed for a lot of people. Being eco-friendly is nice, but if visitors are constantly beaten over the head with it, it's gonna annoy a decent chunk of them. I mentioned this park to a couple of people yesterday (who hadn't heard of it) and told them the eco-friendly/green concept, and they both went "ugh." That's not the first thing you want people to say when they hear about your new theme park.

2. Will kids want to go there? On the outside, it looks like there is a lot of stuff that kids will enjoy, but the reason that Disney is so revered by children are the characters and the history behind them and the name. Given a choice and all thing being relatively equal, are kids going to want to go here or the place with the characters they see on TV and movie screens every day. Kids are not going to care about "green", so there has to be something other than fun rides and activities to pull them in. Branding and appeal to children is going to be perhaps the most important aspect as to whether or not this place is a success.

That said, I really hope it is huge.

Here is why I think this park will be a success.

1. Houston is the largest metro area in the country not served by a major theme park. Green or not, politics or not, this park will be an easy drive for 6 million people with kids looking for family entertainment. Even AstroWorld with all it's issues made a profit (less, right before they closed it) because they were the only large theme park serving the Houston area. Right now people in the Houston area have to go to San Antonio or DFW or even further away for this type of entertainment. The EQ people know that all those dollars would be staying in the Houston area if there was a theme park nearby.

2. Like it or not green is 'in'. It could be the circles one travels in, but everyone I mention this park to thinks that a green theme park is a very fresh idea. There are plenty of parks in the world that use culture and fantasy as themes. But this park will use science and green technology to peak people's interest. Something I think I read on the EQ website mentioned that there are all these green gadgets, green technology exhibits, ideas and theories that many people would be interested in but have no idea about because there has never been any place to showcase them and those are the kinds of exhibits that EQ will have. I've also read that EQ is not just going for the Houston market, they have ambitions that this park/resort is going to compete with 'the mouse'.

If EQ creates a quality resort and park and get the word out that there is a place that will be both fun and promotes the environment, I think people will come from all over to see it. The key is QUALITY and FUN. The education angle is what is fresh in the theme park business and could really make EQ special to people of ALL ages.

Edited June 29, 2010 by Coaster

[TheNiche]

The education angle is what is fresh in the theme park business and could really make EQ special to people of ALL ages.

I concur that a science and technology theme could be made to work...but it's one thing to have dubious mid-20th-century exhibits of the homes and cities of the 21st century (a la Disney), and it's a whole other thing if the idea is to preach personal responsibility and/or push fiscally inconvenient solutions to debatable problems. All other things being equal with respect to the quality of the rides, I think that people are just more receptive to acquisitive messages and themes.

[Coaster]

This story was on Channel 13 last night.

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=7525799

[cdollaz]

I don't think a comparison to Astroworld is apt as far as profitability goes. By the end, Astroworld was a bare bones operation which spent nothing on the niceties that will be a large part of the EQ park. Astroworld was doing just what it took to run the rides and staff the food courts, shops, and midway area. They were no longer selling an entire experience, just selling a place to ride roller coasters. The Disney-type park requires that a tremendous amount of money continuously be spent in elevating it from a mere "park with rides" to an themed experience. Obviously the "entire experience" park can work, but it isn't a sure thing. It has to resonate.

As far as "green" goes, I think it will definitely have some appeal to older kids and adults, at least in the short-term, but I'm not sure those are the most important customers, and I'm also not sure it is a sustainable theme over the long haul. Also, I would think that "middle America" is going to be their largest customer base, given the location in Texas, and "green" isn't as considered here as it is on the coasts. As was mentioned above, trying to force the theme on an audience that doesn't want it would be a huge mistake.

I hope they can find the right balance.

[Trae]

If you look deep into what the park will have, "Green" is only one part of it. Saving the environment, etc., is not going to run out in ten, twenty, even thirty years. I think the park's theme, and what it will have is very sustainable.

[ricco67]

Well, so far, I have enjoyed the reactions of those that were interviewed on the piece. It is going to be interesting how this might be a BIT of a population shift.

One thing that I'm very curious about is how they are going to design the park, particularly if its supposed to be on both sides of 59. If it isn't planned properly, they may find themselves losing a. Sizable chunk due to land siezed to widen that thing.

Also, the taxes genereated by this are going to be a god send for New Caney.

[Coaster]

One thing that surely won't draw anyone further away than Houston would be another stale wild west or superhero theme park. Culture theme parks are EVERYWHERE. At least a green theme park is an original idea that hasn't been done to death. I can't imagine there being a theme park with cool rides (roller coasters shot out of volcanos, ect.) and people not coming to it because they are offended by solar panels and windmills.

But, If going green ever becomes a turn off to the masses, EQ can still theme rides, shows, and exhibits after ecology and nature without stepping on anyone's toes or worrying about getting too preachy about it. Tornados, hurricanes, volcanos, earthquakes, animals, water, and natural science can be as exciting and as interesting as Superman and Batman. From what I've seen at the EQ website it looks like ecology and science is as much apart of the theming as green tech.

Personally, EQ's theme could be about 'destroying the earth' and promote the leaking of crude oil into the gulf of Mexico as a good thing and I would STILL want it to be built.

But all sarcasm aside, I really think they are on to something good and positive here, and I bet they get a lot of supportive sponsors - especially from certain oil companies that need some good publicity to show how environmentally conscience they are.

Edited June 29, 2010 by Coaster

[Trae]

Well, so far, I have enjoyed the reactions of those that were interviewed on the piece. It is going to be interesting how this might be a BIT of a population shift.

One thing that I'm very curious about is how they are going to design the park, particularly if its supposed to be on both sides of 59. If it isn't planned properly, they may find themselves losing a. Sizable chunk due to land siezed to widen that thing.

Also, the taxes genereated by this are going to be a god send for New Caney.

You brought up an interesting point. Will this be in New Caney city limits, or is this Houston's ETJ? If it's Houston's ETJ, what are the chances that the city trots all the way up this way and annexes it? And by the way, the park will only be on the west side of 59. The development on the eastern side of 59 will be the hotel chains, restaurants, EarthWalk, office buildings, and the master-planned community towards the back of it all.

As far as the population shift, I can definitely see that. The NE side of the metro area will start seeing some healthy growth from this thing. The Eastex will no longer be wide open like it is now (but who expected it to stay the way it is for long?). With the Grand Parkway coming in just south of the development, and Exxon building that corporate campus near Spring, you'd probably see people who work that way live near here, also.

[20thStDad]

I really hope this comes to fruition, but it seems like the type of thing that could be a disaster and lose a ton of money, if it ever even gets started.

2 of my concerns are:

1. The "green" theme. That can easily come across as too heavy-handed for a lot of people. Being eco-friendly is nice, but if visitors are constantly beaten over the head with it, it's gonna annoy a decent chunk of them. I mentioned this park to a couple of people yesterday (who hadn't heard of it) and told them the eco-friendly/green concept, and they both went "ugh." That's not the first thing you want people to say when they hear about your new theme park.

2. Will kids want to go there? On the outside, it looks like there is a lot of stuff that kids will enjoy, but the reason that Disney is so revered by children are the characters and the history behind them and the name. Given a choice and all thing being relatively equal, are kids going to want to go here or the place with the characters they see on TV and movie screens every day. Kids are not going to care about "green", so there has to be something other than fun rides and activities to pull them in. Branding and appeal to children is going to be perhaps the most important aspect as to whether or not this place is a success.

That said, I really hope it is huge.

I disagree, that is all that pulls us, I mean them, in. I don't care if you call name the roller coaster after mickey mouse, is it a good ride or not? Are the activities fun? You are right, kids don't care about eco-friendly. This should not be one of the top 5 promoting points for the place. It should just be something the developers (and operators saving $$) are proud of. I never decide to do something based on greenness, at best I'll say "Oh, that's great" and then proceed to decide completely based on substance/delivery of awesomeness.

[cdollaz]

I disagree, that is all that pulls us, I mean them, in. I don't care if you call name the roller coaster after mickey mouse, is it a good ride or not? Are the activities fun? You are right, kids don't care about eco-friendly. This should not be one of the top 5 promoting points for the place. It should just be something the developers (and operators saving $$) are proud of. I never decide to do something based on greenness, at best I'll say "Oh, that's great" and then proceed to decide completely based on substance/delivery of awesomeness.

When it comes down to it, Disney doesn't have a lot of great rides. They have a few great ones and a bunch of filler. If someone is going to choose to attend a theme park purely for rides and adrenaline rushes, they aren't going to go to Disney. Yet, Disney hauls in the crowds. It is because they sell the experience as something the whole family will enjoy. You are right, kids do not care about eco-friendly, but they do care about Mickey Mouse. If parents were basing it purely on their own enjoyment, many wouldn't go to Disney, they would go to parks with a high coaster count. But, they want their kids to enjoy it also, so they go somewhere the kids will enjoy it, probably more than they will. When we take our toddler to Disney in a year or so, it is going to mostly for him. That is why a park of this magnitude has to be appealing to the whole family to survive.

[Trae]

And they are making it appeal to the whole family (hence the partnership with the Houston Zoo, live animal exibits, shows, kiddie coasters, etc.), as well as adults (the eco-friendly stuff, more "extreme" roller coasters, etc.).

[TheNiche]

Hey, guys... Where's the money for this coming from?

It doesn't sound like they have financing. I think we all just got suckered in by the press.

[AtticaFlinch]

When it comes down to it, Disney doesn't have a lot of great rides. They have a few great ones and a bunch of filler. If someone is going to choose to attend a theme park purely for rides and adrenaline rushes, they aren't going to go to Disney. Yet, Disney hauls in the crowds. It is because they sell the experience as something the whole family will enjoy. You are right, kids do not care about eco-friendly, but they do care about Mickey Mouse. If parents were basing it purely on their own enjoyment, many wouldn't go to Disney, they would go to parks with a high coaster count. But, they want their kids to enjoy it also, so they go somewhere the kids will enjoy it, probably more than they will. When we take our toddler to Disney in a year or so, it is going to mostly for him. That is why a park of this magnitude has to be appealing to the whole family to survive.

Even though it won't be the single defining theme to the park, I bet the presence of dinosaurs and a volcano would be enough to get kids excited.

It gets me excited anyhow, and I am nothing more than a kid in adult clothing.

Hey, guys... Where's the money for this coming from?

It doesn't sound like they have financing. I think we all just got suckered in by the press.

Yes and no. From my understanding, a considerable portion of their financing has yet to materialize, but they're betting the buzz will generate enough good will equity to make the project appear less risky to potential investors.

Edited June 29, 2010 by AtticaFlinch

[cdollaz]

And they are making it appeal to the whole family (hence the partnership with the Houston Zoo, live animal exibits, shows, kiddie coasters, etc.), as well as adults (the eco-friendly stuff, more "extreme" roller coasters, etc.).

We will see if that is the case. I hope it works, but when the direct competition is so strong, it isn't a matter of whether or not it is appealing, it is a matter of whether or not it is as appealing as the competition and can it bring repeat business. For most families it is an either/or decision, as most will not go to both EQ and Disney (or some other park) within a certain timeframe. I have no doubt that initially it will draw people and families. The more important question is whether or not they will come back time and time again. The landscape is riddled with ventures that seemed really cool, took off, and were gone a few years later after the novelty wore off. That is why I think it is essential to appeal to families over the long-term. If people come, but don't come back, this will fail.

[AtticaFlinch]

We will see if that is the case. I hope it works, but when the direct competition is so strong, it isn't a matter of whether or not it is appealing, it is a matter of whether or not it is as appealing as the competition and can it bring repeat business. For most families it is an either/or decision, as most will not go to both EQ and Disney (or some other park) within a certain timeframe. I have no doubt that initially it will draw people and families. The more important question is whether or not they will come back time and time again. The landscape is riddled with ventures that seemed really cool, took off, and were gone a few years later after the novelty wore off. That is why I think it is essential to appeal to families over the long-term. If people come, but don't come back, this will fail.

Disney is really the only destination park I can think of in the US, and people won't want to do that every year. As you previously mentioned, the rides aren't really all that great.

[Trae]

We will see if that is the case. I hope it works, but when the direct competition is so strong, it isn't a matter of whether or not it is appealing, it is a matter of whether or not it is as appealing as the competition and can it bring repeat business. For most families it is an either/or decision, as most will not go to both EQ and Disney (or some other park) within a certain timeframe. I have no doubt that initially it will draw people and families. The more important question is whether or not they will come back time and time again. The landscape is riddled with ventures that seemed really cool, took off, and were gone a few years later after the novelty wore off. That is why I think it is essential to appeal to families over the long-term. If people come, but don't come back, this will fail.

They won't be going to Disney every year. Plus, if someone in Oklahoma goes to Disney one year, maybe the next year's family vacation, they want to go somewhere closer to home. They can stop by EQA. When (well, if) I-69 is completed, it'll provide more access for the center third of this country, too. But, it's a theme park. I'm sure they'll add/expand on more things to keep everything fresh. I don't know why people wouldn't come back. People go back to Disney and Universal all of the time. Hell, people go back to Six Flags parks all of the time. Why would EQA be any different?

[cdollaz]

Disney is really the only destination park I can think of in the US, and people won't want to do that every year. As you previously mentioned, the rides aren't really all that great.

But it's an institution. That goes a long way. Even moreso when the Disney brand is promoted on TV shows, movies, toys, etc. Kids, and therefore families, like familiarity. Given a choice between what they know (Disney characters) and what they don't know (regardless of how cool/entertaining it may be), most kids would prefer the known entity. That is the biggest uphill climb for a venture like this, to brand yourself appropriately and well.

There are a lot of great bands, but if they aren't heard, it doesn't matter how good they are. The artists on American Idol and the radio aren't even remotely close to being the best artists out there, but they are what people hear and are familiar with. There are many crappy imcumbent politicians, but name-recognition goes a long way to their being re-elected. Theme parks are no different. EQ could be twice as good as Disney on every level that we think is important, but it doesn't matter if kids still feel more connected to Disney.

[cdollaz]

They won't be going to Disney every year. Plus, if someone in Oklahoma goes to Disney one year, maybe the next year's family vacation, they want to go somewhere closer to home. They can stop by EQA. When (well, if) I-69 is completed, it'll provide more access for the center third of this country, too. But, it's a theme park. I'm sure they'll add/expand on more things to keep everything fresh. I don't know why people wouldn't come back. People go back to Disney and Universal all of the time. Hell, people go back to Six Flags parks all of the time. Why would EQA be any different?

They will be going to Disney every year if they like it better. Sure, those within a certain vicinity will tend to go to EQA, purely for logistical reasons. But I doubt if EQA can survive if they end up being a regional park. Something of this magnitude (cost) will have to bring in people from afar over the long-term. The reason that people go to both Disney and Universal is that they are close to each other. That actually is a plus for Disney (and Universal) as the more options there are, the likelier people are to travel to that region. You can hit them both on one trip.

Maybe EQA won't be any different, but that is yet to be seen. Disney is probably the greatest marketing machine anywhere. They empty your pockets and you still want to come back. They have you believing that their product is better than it probably is. We will see if EQA has the ability to do that.

[Trae]

They will be going to Disney every year if they like it better. Sure, those within a certain vicinity will tend to go to EQA, purely for logistical reasons. But I doubt if EQA can survive if they end up being a regional park. Something of this magnitude (cost) will have to bring in people from afar over the long-term. The reason that people go to both Disney and Universal is that they are close to each other. That actually is a plus for Disney (and Universal) as the more options there are, the likelier people are to travel to that region. You can hit them both on one trip.

Maybe EQA won't be any different, but that is yet to be seen. Disney is probably the greatest marketing machine anywhere. They empty your pockets and you still want to come back. They have you believing that their product is better than it probably is. We will see if EQA has the ability to do that.

It was said earlier in the thread that the developers for EQA are planning for this to be a national/international attraction and not just a regional thing (the plans prove that really). Hopefully other attractions come into that side of town and then what you said will come true. Maybe we can transport Sea World from San Antonio over here.

[cdollaz]

It was said earlier in the thread that the developers for EQA are planning for this to be a national/international attraction and not just a regional thing

Yeah, and DIVX planned to sell alot of movies. And Coca-Cola planned to sell a lot of New Coke. And so on and so on.

[Trae]

Yeah, and DIVX planned to sell alot of movies. And Coca-Cola planned to sell a lot of New Coke. And so on and so on.

And Facebook was never going to kill MySpace. And Apple was never going to be ahead of Microsoft again. Etc.

[20thStDad]

I've never been to Disney and don't really have a desire to go, never did as a kid either. I preferred places with 1) good rides or 2) interactive learning type things like museums or zoos or 3) awesome outdoor things like mountains. Now that I have kids maybe Disney will happen, but the only thing driving it would be my 2 year old daughter's obsession with the Disney princesses. I couldn't tell you why a boy would want to go that badly, all of it is very little-girl-centric. An intense love of mickey? Nah. It's all the hype they put around it.

[livincinco]

They will be going to Disney every year if they like it better. Sure, those within a certain vicinity will tend to go to EQA, purely for logistical reasons. But I doubt if EQA can survive if they end up being a regional park. Something of this magnitude (cost) will have to bring in people from afar over the long-term. The reason that people go to both Disney and Universal is that they are close to each other. That actually is a plus for Disney (and Universal) as the more options there are, the likelier people are to travel to that region. You can hit them both on one trip.

Maybe EQA won't be any different, but that is yet to be seen. Disney is probably the greatest marketing machine anywhere. They empty your pockets and you still want to come back. They have you believing that their product is better than it probably is. We will see if EQA has the ability to do that.

Disneyland was built in the middle of orange fields with no surrounding attractions. The other attractions built up around it to capitalize on its success. The same thing happened with Disney World. I'm not saying that this is going to be another Disney, but you have to start somewhere.

Don't forget that five of the 20 largest cities in the United States are within driving distance of EQA, even if they are only able to draw a limited audience from outside the region they should still be able to succeed.

[Coaster]

I'm sure anyone who plans to build a half billion dollar theme park has probably done just a tad more research than people who surf the internet. Can you imagine if the company that finances this project later comes to HAIF and realizes they forgot to figure in future growth expenses, the success of other regional theme parks, the conditions that led to the demise of our last big theme park and local attitudes about green tech?

I have confidence that if they ever open this place will be one the single greatest things to hit the Houston area in decades. It certainly will when it is brand new. It has more potential to turn the Houston area into a tourist destination than anything that has ever been built before. I know that sounds weird since we aren't used to living near a national tourist destination, but neither was Orlando, Florida in 1970 or Anaheim, California in 1954. Something unique and original turned those cities into major tourist destinations and there's no reason to believe that the EQ can't have the same effect on New Caney if they do it right.

[TheNiche]

I'm sure anyone who plans to build a half billion dollar theme park has probably done just a tad more research than people who surf the internet.

Market research analysts do surf the internet.

More importantly, though: in the hands of developers, research and propaganda have very little difference in meaning. When research exists solely for the sake of generating interest in the project among prospective equity partners and lenders, you can bet that it will be optimistic. And you can't forget that the developer is way more interested in collecting fees from his partners than that the returns on investment ever meet expectations.

[Coaster]

Don Lessum responded in the Chronicle blog regarding the park and made some very interesting and informative comments.

http://blogs.chron.com/houstonshiring/2010/06/earthquest_adventures_an_eco_g_1.html

As the creator of the Earthquest Adventures project and the independent nonprofit EarthQuest Institute, I'd like to both thank all of those commenting and try to answer some of the questions and doubts expressed. Given the history of the theme park industry in Houston, Astroworld and Six Flags especially, I shared your concerns - at least when I entered into this project. If I haven't answered your questions, please feel free to write me here or personally, with any other questions I haven't remembered to address, as these emails are forwarded to the person questioned.

So here goes:

GREEN - That's not the usual eco promoting baloney which I find infuriating. The park is not only themed around preservation of the environment, it actually does so in every way we can. This is not some paved over playland. The 500 acre woodland site in E. Montgomery County will be preserved, down to the trees and streams, with added trails and recreational features available to all, not just those who buy park tickets.

The park will recycle its water, and use solar and other alternative fuels. There is not enough of any of these to fuel an entire park and wind is far too variable in Houston for wind generation. But all those features and others, such as algae farming will be demonstrated.

There will also be a wildlife breeding preserve in coordination with the Houston Zoo and a separate low-cost activity area for areas families wishing a few hours entertainment only.

At the core of the park is an independent nonprofit Institute which provides information and activities for visitors so they can see rather than read about ways they can incorporate sustainable practices into everyday life - from housing to transportation. An "incubator" facility for green businesses is also included.

RIDES - There are more than 50. Several are traditional coasters and all the "whirl and hurl" rides people love, others are water rides of a form, though not extent, available at big parks elsewhere. But many new technologies including, for example, the audience choosing which wild river to follow, are incorporated. More importantly each activity and themed area (Water, Land, Past, etc.) is themed around the natural world.

VIABILITY - Three different top international entertainment industry analysts have all predicted a very favorable return, sufficient to attract several bidders to finance the project - those offers are being weighed with a commitment by end of year. This is not a fly-by-night operation or scam. More than 7 million has been spent on development of the project to date under the supervision of ex-Disney executives at Contour Entertainment in Los Angeles. The projections for 1.5 million or more visitors are entirely from a 2 hour drive radius. Given its unique nature and as the only park of its scale in the middle of the country, I do think the park will attract many from much farther away, but we have no way to quantify that so it is not in our estimates.

WHY HOUSTON - Yes, the weather is awful but you go out in anyway. This is a relatively prosperous, young community, and the fourth largest in the country, yet the only major city without a big amusement facility. As personal savings shrink, unfortunately, these days, an attraction close to home is increasingly important. We chose Houston after a nationwide search and dozens of offers of community support because of these factors and the innovative support of the East Montgomery County Improvement Board.

Our prices will be competitive with other theme parks, and again, I think we'll offer something more and different for your money.

JOBS - Of the forecast 1500 jobs on site, some will be high-paid managerial and executive positions, others low-paying - just as in any industry. Many of the lower-paying jobs will likely be filled by young adults who at present have no employment opportunities, though available to all. Tax benefits to the area are in the billions by expert analysis, and 15,000 ancillary jobs will result if we continue to do our job right, and if you come!

Best wishes,

Don Lessem

[Trae]

Those Chronicle comments are vicious. People really don't know what the hell they are talking about.

[AtticaFlinch]

Those Chronicle comments are vicious. People really don't know what the hell they are talking about.

Chron commenters aren't well known for their subtlety or their sense. Mention Montrose and they scream about gay skeeters and pedophiles hiding in the bushes. Mention soccer and they cry about illegal immigration. Mention an eco-friendly park and they moan about no-skintific-evydense-fer-Gorebal-warming. They aren't important to any meaningful discussion.

[TheNiche]

Chron commenters aren't well known for their subtlety or their sense. Mention Montrose and they scream about gay skeeters and pedophiles hiding in the bushes. Mention soccer and they cry about illegal immigration. Mention an eco-friendly park and they moan about no-skintific-evydense-fer-Gorebal-warming. They aren't important to any meaningful discussion.

Chron commenters and people like them represent a significant customer base. I applaud the developer for proactively addressing them. An earthy or sciency theme might stick (and if ever there was a city that would embrace it, it'd be Houston), but the theme park component needs to be about affordable family fun, not about personal responsibility or the "green" movement.

[AtticaFlinch]

Chron commenters and people like them represent a significant customer base.

They'll writhe around in their hatred of progressive ideas until the park is built, regardless of what Don Lessum tells them. Once the park is built they'll go anyhow. The lure of rollercoasters is too strong for even the most devout anti-environmentalists. The same would work the opposite way too. If a theme park was built in the middle of BP's new and improved Gulf of Mexico, unshaven hippies would attend and worry about the tar stuck to their Birkenstocks later. If fun can be had, ideologies can wait.

[Coaster]

I'm sure some will take great comfort reading that Don Lessum finds the usual eco-promoting baloney infuriating. I think learning about green things can be interesting, but nobody likes preachiness. EQ really seems on the ball with this.

No doubt that as long as they have 50 whirl and hurl rides, they can stick whatever theming they want into it and people will be standing in lines to empty their pockets at EQ.

As far as chronicle comments. Those blowhards complaining about scams, clear-cutting, traffic, and noise will be the first ones standing in line to empty their pockets at EQ. Then they'll be at the Chron the next day complaining how horrible it all was, and then go back to the park again in a few months.

Edited July 1, 2010 by Coaster

[ricco67]

As long as they don't try to smack me in the head with it, I'll go, but I might have to resort to hijacking someone's kids and take them there.

I know this is WAAAY too soon to think about, but once this thing gets built and the second phase starts going into full swing, I wonder if some sort of transit system will be built out in that direction. Liberty County might HAVE to join metro at that point.

[TheNiche]

As long as they don't try to smack me in the head with it, I'll go, but I might have to resort to hijacking someone's kids and take them there.

I know this is WAAAY too soon to think about, but once this thing gets built and the second phase starts going into full swing, I wonder if some sort of transit system will be built out in that direction. Liberty County might HAVE to join metro at that point.

Nah, counties don't join METRO because they can't levy the 1% sales tax. It has to be a municipality. And frankly, Liberty or Dayton are just too small and too far removed from Houston's economy (or from EQA) for that to be a priority. They'd probably rather implement a 4A/4B economic development sales tax instead. Besides, they should have a new freeway, US 90, to get them inside the loop with minimal hassle.

[Trae]

New article from the Chronicle:

A small group has since been studying and drawing plans for an upscale Disney-styled entertainment complex that would be seven times larger than Houston's original park. They want to build it on 500 wooded acres — which they own — adjacent to U.S. 59 in Montgomery County, just a short drive from the airport and downtown Houston.

But the plan is now two years behind schedule. Organizers say this is because their vision has slowly evolved from a 50-acre dinosaur park to EarthQuest — an elaborate ecofriendly entertainment zone that teaches environmental stewardship.

The $500 million project was also stalled by the sluggish economy, but now organizers are hoping to have financing by year's end and construction completed by 2013.

"In the last 60 days, things have loosened up. We're looking at five investor groups to see who's a fit," said John Marlin, a Dallas real estate investor who owns the site. "I feel the wind is at our backs."

The organizers will not disclose those investors' identities, except to say some are domestic and others are international, with some not requiring any debt service.

More: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7107178.html

[Coaster]

I hope all the recent attention from Houston's major news organizations is a positive sign that the ball is REALLY rolling now. It sure sounds like it is. In the last several weeks there have been 2 articles in the Chron and one by ABC13. Many people in Houston and elsewhere are just now finding out about EQ. I wish Marlin/Atlantis would just pick one of the investors that does not require any debt service and build it already.

[Trae]

Yeah, a lot of people are starting to find out about the park now. I don't think it'll be too long before the park is the lead or highlight story for any one of the news stations here. We can only hope that CNN or MSNBC picks up the story and does a little report on it.

[Trae]

EarthQuest plans remain on schedule

By KRISTY THOMAS

Updated: 07.30.10

Amid some doubts and local concerns about the EarthQuest project coming to East Montgomery County, Frank McCrady, president of the East Montgomery County Improvement District, said that the project is still on schedule as planned.

“The park is still on track to open late 2012, early 2013 and we will break ground either at the end of this year or early 2011,” McCrady said.

Recent articles and online polls suggest that some in the community have doubts about whether the park will actually happen. Some area residents say they have been “hearing” about this park for at least three years, but have yet to see any sign that progress is being made toward the park’s opening.

“People will know exactly when we will start working on the park. We will have an official groundbreaking ceremony where the community, media and businesses will be welcome to come and join us for the first start of construction,” McCrady said.

Area residents have expressed mixed feelings about the park and what it will mean to EMC. Some community members and businesses agree that even though there will be more traffic in the area, the growth to the community would bring positive changes.

“Traffic will definitely be a concern, and that is my main concern. Growth is always painful and change is hard, but over time I believe people will adjust, and if the EarthQuest team keeps their promotional promises, it will be very worth it,” said Jacqueline Beck, a resident of Roman Forest.

McCrady agrees that with any community change comes concerns from residents, and there are always growing pains with added projects like this to any community.

“Naturally, there will be more congestion; it is the nature of the area. Any additional growth will be good and bad to some in the community. We are still working with the city and state to relieve any burdens that come with the growth in the area,” McCrady said.

Other community members agree that even with the additional traffic, the park located in the area itself will add a positive side to them personally.

More at the link: http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2010/07/31/east_montgomery/news/30emcearthquest.txt

[foxmulder]

Those Chronicle comments are vicious. People really don't know what the hell they are talking about.

They ran an article on the Kindle and tons of people replied with "Yeah, but it won't read to me" or "I'm not paying for 3g."

The kindle has Text To Speech and it says "3g included at NO CHARGE" No one reads!

Hope this theme park materializes quick though, I'm tired of driving to Dallas to go to Six Flags.

[Coaster]

Here is some information and the invitation to the next EarthQuest Institute event.

https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:CampaignPublic/id:1403933.6766919341/rid:7c6e717445df0de7f477316142cf9049

http://www.earthquestinstitute.org/

Edited August 23, 2010 by Coaster

[Trae]

A couple of new articles on EarthQuest Adventures:

Dennis Speigel, president of International Theme Park Services Inc., says multiple groups are pursuing plans for at least two separate theme parks in the Houston area.

One of those planned projects is a 1,600-acre mega resort which would be anchored by Earthquest Adventure, a new theme park slated for an area in Montgomery County north of Houston.

Speigel says he expects that Houston will get a new theme park and San Antonio will get some new competition for visitors. But SeaWorld San Antonio President Dan Decker says a new theme park in Houston would benefit the Alamo City because it would bring more people to Texas.

http://sanantonio.bi.../13/story5.html

For those who, like me, were left with an insatiable black hole where AstroWorld used to be, fear not. Houston might (maybe!) be getting another theme park.

And it's not just any old theme park — in fact, its proposed sheer size (1,600 acres) makes AstroWorld look like the Delaware State Fair. The proposed EarthQuest Adventures is an "edutainment" resort that includes a theme park, water park, hotel, institute and perhaps even a residential component. The massive resort is proposed for Montgomery County about 30 miles north of downtown Houston (and 15 miles from IAH), and the expanse of its operations make it more comparable to Disney Word than to AstroWorld.

And that's fitting, because its founders are all ex-Disney execs. The connections run deep, too — one of the speakers at last night's private presentation at Kirksey Architecture to an audience of developers, architects and contractors was the voice of Dale the Chipmunk before he became an engineer. CultureMap was the only media outlet in the meeting.

These imagineers, as they call themselves, have dreamt up a world where eco-education is fun, and profitable.

http://culturemap.co...eco-theme-park/

"I think everyone was surprised when that study came back and showed that a world-class themed attraction with an investment level of $500 to $600 million was feasible in Houston," said Marlin.

That big money buys a park that's described as a little Disney and a little Astroworld. Along with the rides and a water park, there would be hotels, a conference center and a huge mall-like dining and shopping area. It'll all have the Earthquest nature theme.

The master plan has parts of the park spread on both sides of Highway 59, including what the developers call a large eco-tourism area.

"It's where families can come camp, hike and bike trails, rope courses, horseback riding," Marlin said. "They can get a feel for nature and have fun back in the woods."

So far, investors have pumped $30 million into the project just for the land and plans. The state and the East Montgomery County Improvement District have offered up tax incentives, too.

McCrady says Earthquest is more of a gift than a gamble, and there was competition.

"From our board's perspective, we were not going to allow Dallas to have this project," McCrady said. "It's coming to Houston."

http://www.click2hou...900/detail.html

Edit: By the way, anyone go to the meeting last Wednesday?

Edited September 10, 2010 by Trae

[Subdude]

From the Chronicle:

Eco Theme Park Plan Raises Hopes and Questions

by Katie Plocheck

During an information session at Kirksey Architects on Wednesday, September 8, a team including former Disney "imagineer" Chris Brown, developer Don Lessem (aka Dino Don), and MIT scientist Dr. Matt Gardner presented plans for EarthQuest.

The 1,600-acre resort and learning institute is set to break ground at an undisclosed date in New Caney, Texas. The facility would teach "green living" and "re-engage the public with what's real," according to Brown, who is president of Contour Entertainment. Houston was a strategic choice. As the fourth largest metropolitan area in the country, Brown said that an estimated 18 million people live within a few hours drive of the potential park. This, along with Houston's position as an energy capital, and the city's lack of a theme park since the demise of Astroworld, make its location prime real estate.

If people are on a quest for anything in this day and age, it's one to figure out how to be more "green." Now, theme parks are vying for a coveted position in the green arena. But the notion of "green" can be amorphous.

The presenters acknowledged that the project would involve "cutting down" most of the 1,600 acres of quality bottomland natural forest on the site along Caney Creek.

And the link...

[intencity77]

http://sanantonio.bi.../13/story5.html

Does anybody know any information about the second possible theme park development? I couldn't read the full article as I am not a subscriber.

[gto250us]

I hear that Disney is buying up property in Anahuac. Oh, wait. That was 30 years ago. Never mind.

[Coaster]

The article might be talking about the Grand Texas "theme park" project. Grand Texas is supposed to be located in Tomball. There were news articles about a year ago that called it a theme park, but if you look at what they plan to build it doesn't exactly look like a theme park in the traditional sense. In fact, the website looks very amateurish.

However, on the website, there is a NEW headline that mentions that their are big changes coming. So who knows, maybe the developer found some investors to finance this project and turn it into a legitimate theme park.

http://www.grandtx.com/

http://swamplot.com/grand-texas-theme-park-in-tomball-bringing-some-of-that-texas-frontier-spirit-to-texas/2009-07-09/

[HtownWxBoy]

From reading all of the articles it seems to me that this thing is gonna happen... it's more a matter of "when" than "if"... very exciting hopefully it happens. With the millions of people living in Houston and the surrounding region there is no reason why we couldn't support at least some sort of amusement park. What I hope is that if this thing doesn't happen someone else comes in and builds a park somewhere in the area. If Dallas and San Antonio can both support amusement parks there is no reason Houston can't... just need to build it in a better location than Astroworld.

[TheNiche]

The article might be talking about the Grand Texas "theme park" project. Grand Texas is supposed to be located in Tomball. There were news articles about a year ago that called it a theme park, but if you look at what they plan to build it doesn't exactly look like a theme park in the traditional sense. In fact, the website looks very amateurish.

Developers' sites typically look amateurish. Unless they're marketing directly to a consumer (i.e. Randall Davis), they're only a tad better than engineers' sites, a fair bit worse that the sites of a production builder, and utterly barren as compared to the websites of most architects.

However, on the website, there is a NEW headline that mentions that their are big changes coming. So who knows, maybe the developer found some investors to finance this project and turn it into a legitimate theme park.

Probably not. If they got financing, they'd announce that. It'd be a huge deal. Everybody would know.

[TheNiche]

From reading all of the articles it seems to me that this thing is gonna happen... it's more a matter of "when" than "if"...

Articles don't mean jack.

[Talbot]

Well if this is true then it is very exciting! We shall see.

[lockmat]

The last two phases are slated to be a retail corridor and 2.5k residential units, but are based on the success of Phase I—the residential space could be replaced with more entertainment.

The Adventures Theme Park is broken into five aspects—Water, Sky, Land, Life, and Pangaea—and will blend rides and education. An EcoTourism section will have low impact trails, horseback riding, and kayaking in Caney Creek, which provides the western border of the park.

The hotel will have 250 rooms, 30 cabins, and 20 treehouse villas, and The Woodlands Conference Center group has expressed interest in running EarthQuest’s conference facilities. Chris tells us he expects to wrap up financing by year-end, then will finish schematics and hopefully break ground in 2011. Look for over two years of construction.

He’s launching programs now that don’t require a building, like the Mobile EarthQuest vans visiting elementary schools.

http://www.bisnow.com/houston_commercial_real_estate_news_story.php?p=10223

[tanith27]

Isn't that Borat?