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COMMENTS
Comment by:
Joe on Jul. 28th, 2010 - 12:43pm
"Yes, the weather is awful but you go out in anyway."
The weather isn't awful. It gets hot in the summer for about 5 months but the rest of it, especially the fall, is very nice. I lived in Boston for 5 years, that's awful weather, dude.
People who are from here and then their 2nd and 3rd generation kids have no problem with hot weather, primarily in June to end of August. October and November are very nice, and it rarely freezes for weeks in a row.
Comment by:
on Jul. 26th, 2010 - 8:41pm
http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2010/07/26/east_montgomery/news/30emcearthquest.txt
the story continues. seems that many local residents have some mixed emotions on the theme park in new caney. it seems that the main page of the observer newspaper has a public poll which doesn't match the information in the article. perhaps they think the residents in EMC can't read. just sayin'
Comment by:
on Jul. 19th, 2010 - 4:45pm
Comment by:
Conroe Resident on Jul. 19th, 2010 - 3:18pm
Does anyone know where to apply for positions or if you can at this time?
Comment by:
Mike Anderson on Jul. 14th, 2010 - 9:19am
A new, very interesting article about EarthQuest in the Chron.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/710
"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."
Comment by:
ayako on Jul. 11th, 2010 - 9:04pm
What kind of exhibits are there for dinosaurs? puppets? anmitronics? statues? replicas?
Comment by:
Coaster on Jul. 1st, 2010 - 3:12pm
Don Lessum responded in the Chronicle blog regarding the park and made some very interesting and informative comments.
http://blogs.chron.c...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
Comment by:
txtiger on Jun. 29th, 2010 - 9:19am
Thanks for posting that link, Margie -
I gathered from the news story that the plan IS to break ground by the end of the year, or early next year...
All signs were close to "go" at the latest EarthQuest Institute fundraiser...
Comment by:
Margie on Jun. 28th, 2010 - 7:29pm
Saw news story on channel 13 regarding the earthquest theme park. noticed the news article title, "New Caney residents mad over theme park plans". what a crock! news story mentions theme park will not break ground in either late fall 2010 or early 2011. looks like we've possibly moved the date again.
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/video?id=7525634
Comment by:
txtiger on Jun. 28th, 2010 - 5:05pm
kthomas:
Not true. If the link below doesn't automatically activate, copy-clip it into your browser for a good, comprehensive document which has been available online for about 8 months - This .pdf gives a good overview of how (and how not) adjacent residential areas would be affected by EarthQuest Resort -
http://www.northcrestpoa.com/Editor/assets/editorial
Comment by:
kthomas on Jun. 28th, 2010 - 2:25pm
I heard that the Dino Park will have to clear a lot of residential homes that are already in New Caney in order to have room for the park. Is this true?
Comment by:
margie on Jun. 12th, 2010 - 8:31pm
EMCID board meeting on Tuesday. Do you think Earthquest will have any special news to announce? Not much on the old monthly agenda...
Comment by:
txtiger on Jun. 3rd, 2010 - 11:27am
Here's my general summary of what was discussed, what went down at the 6/2 Fundraiser:
(Take note this is a revised version of a post I provided at www.sixflagshouston.com and this post matches the one I've posted to the Houston Architecture Info. Forum)
There was about an hour of socializing/networking from 6pm-7pm, then about an hour's worth of presentations. Don Lessem spoke first, and introduced Dr. Matt Gardner (of EarthQuest Institute). Dr. Gardner then relayed to Chris Brown (of Contour Entertainment). Dr. Gardner then spoke in greater depth on EarthQuest Institute and its initiatives (the reason for the event, of course) once Chris was finished with his presentation on the theme park. Don Holbrook, Marlin Atlantis' (the developer's) representative on this project, then spoke and gave the great and reasonable pitch which solicited donations. Everyone made themselves available for questions after the presentation was over.
No new information was presented on the EarthQuest Adventures theme park - nothing that wasn't covered at last December's fundraising event, and nothing that's not currently reviewed on the EarthQuest Adventures website. A few new renderings for the 'Land' and 'Sky' areas of the park were on display, but general conceptual design remains the same as what we've all seen. All other renderings on display were those already available on the EQ website.
The EarthQuest Institute, as a complete endeavour, is extremely ambitious and exciting, and a few new outreach programs/efforts were reviewed last night:
Mobile EarthQuest: A sharply-outfitted minivan (or even fleet of minivans) with professional staff which can bring the EarthQuest Institute experience to public parks (Discovery Green, maybe), public schools, the rodeo, sports events, etc. This will be primarily an educational experience, but will serve nicely as a marketing tool for "EarthQuest the destination."
MyVision: An educational program geared toward younger school children, which allows them to learn about video camera operation. This program will essentially help them create their own video diaries. "How they see the world...," etc. This effort is apparently being created in conjunction with some Hollywood professionals, and YouTube may play some voluntary or involuntary role in the posting of kids' video diaries...
Other programs or engagements have also begun being discussed, like engaging local colleges and universities in developing and even publically-presenting Green-Business strategies... Anyway... interesting stuff.
Regarding personal conversations I had with Chris Brown (again, of Contour Entertainment) - One item on which I'm pleased to report is that original music will be commissioned for the EarthQuest Resort, likely by industry-known composers with whom Chris certainly has long-established relationships. Very great to hear.
(Chris, if you're reading this, thanks very much for putting up with me - You'll see me at most, if not all of the EQI Fundraising events... While I absolutely am interested in questions like 'What kinds of roller coasters will be built?,' I'm dead-serious about the success of all the components of this project, and hope to not come across too nutty. Heh, heh... And hey, I've put money where my mouth is.)
Frank McCrady and Don Holbrook spoke with me briefly, and they have great expecations for other development there in East Montgomery County - for which EarthQuest will be the catalyst.
Don Holbrook stated to all the attendees yesterday evening that "We're at the 1-yard line with selecting an investor." Full ground breaking is expected by the end of this year at the latest. Putting 2 and 2 together, I'd speculate a Holiday Season 2013 grand opening of Phase I.
That's all I have to report. I'd encourage all of you to attend future fundraisers to support the Institute and its efforts, or contact EMCID directly to find out more about the various donation levels to become a "Friend of the Institute." You have the option to donate money over annual installments, of which I personally have taken advantage.
Comment by:
FUSION on Jun. 3rd, 2010 - 11:03am
Does anyone know what was said at the fundraiser last night?
Comment by:
Anderson on Jun. 2nd, 2010 - 9:55am
Don Lessum has a respected reputation in field of paleontology, and has worked as an advisor to both film and theme park development.
I'm sure he would have better things to do with his time if Earth Quest was just a scam that the local real estate developers came up with to sell property in east Montgomery county.
Comment by:
Dr. Phil on Jun. 2nd, 2010 - 9:36am
All these people are attending the EarthQuest Institute Fundraiser...
Don Lessem, the founder and Chief Creative Officer of the EarthQuest Institute,
Dr. Matthew Gardner, Chief Science Officer of the EarthQuest Institute,
Chris Brown, the President of Contour Entertainment, as well as the project developer and other members of our team.
...so at least THEY think EQ is going to be built.
Comment by:
Anderson on Jun. 1st, 2010 - 12:50pm
Comment by:
PorterResident on Jun. 1st, 2010 - 8:07am
Comment by:
Joe on May. 26th, 2010 - 9:59am
"Surprising how many of these websites have pro Earthquest stories."
Hi Vessmech, All those sites are owned by the same company, and will publish local press releases for free. (Hence the "pro Earthquest" nature of the articles). We also did one positive, original piece of reporting when the project first broke.
If we ever take any money from Earthquest, I'll add a permanent graphic to this web site's home page saying so. The goal of this site is to provide a place for neutral discussion about the project, with both positive and negative comments allowed.
Comment by:
Dr. Phil on May. 26th, 2010 - 9:39am
Question - So how much of the feedback from this bbs is for marketing/gauging community interest/shape opinion for this project?
Answer - NONE. No one but interested optimistic bystanders post here, save for the occasional hapless, disgruntled know-nothing-know-it-all self proclaimed 'realist'.
I'm glad your done. Have a nice life.
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