Frequently Asked Questions - EarthQuest Adventure Zone - Houston Dinosaur Park

Who is involved in the Dinosaur Park & Museum?

The EarthQuest Project will be divided in two parts, geographically and financially. EarthQuest Ventures will be the for profit entity operating the theme park and assorted entertainment venues.

EarthQuest Institute is the non-profit entity overseeing the museum and various education components operating in conjunction with the "green" vision of this endeavor.

Where will it be located?

Geographically, The EarthQuest Resort will be located off of highway 59 between FM 1485 and FM 282 on the west side and FM 1485 and Roman Forest Blvd on the east side in New Caney, Texas.

What are the plans for the theme park layout?

Plans include a small zoo to view animals in a natural habitat setting, a theme park / family entertainment area, water park, a massive "mountain structure" at the center of the theme park with three environments -- ice/cold, volanic/heat & rainforest/tropical. Each area will include themed rides and educational attractions which both entertain and educate park visitors.

Outside of the gated area are plans for an area featuring restaurants and nightclubs, where someone may just go for a great night out without ever entering the park itself. The area will be a draw for visitors looking for theatre options and live music or comedy.

What are the plans for the museum?

The museum will be supported by "Dino" Don Lessem, world renowned dinosaur paleontologist is the principle driving individual behind this part of the development. Dr. Lessem is the creator of some of the world's largest and most popular natural science exhibits, and is also the co-founder of the two largest foundations for paleontology: The Dinosaur Society, and the more recent Jurassic Foundation, raising millions of dollars for international science research.

The EarthQuest Institute will also house research facilities where "green" technologies will be developed, tested and introduced.

Located next to the EarthQuest Institute Museum will be a hotel and convention center. There will be an emphasis on a "green" partnership program which seeks to minimize the hotel's impact on the planet.

How is this project supporting "Green" technology?

Across US 59, there will be a "technology transfer center" which will offer office space for businesses supporting "green" technology and construction. Think of this as a corporate office park for businesses from around the world who are working on sustainability issues developing products and services to achieve this goal. Want to reduce the "carbon footprint" of your business? Chances are the technology transfer center will be where you will find the answers.

Dr. Matthew Gardner was recently hired to spearhead project development. Dr. Gardner is a Founding Director of Sustainserv, Inc. He formerly was the Executive Director of the Earth System Initiative, an environmental research and education center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In this role he oversaw a $40 million research and education portfolio, and was responsible for the development of new environmental research and education programs.

I heard there will be a new housing project as well?

Yes - The remainder of the land on the east side of US59 will be for residential use. There will be both multi-family and single family structures, and all will boast the most energy efficient and eco-friendly construction products. It will be a living laboratory where scientist can study different aspects the master planned community of the future.

When will construction start?

Frank McGrady has estimated construction will begin in the fall of 2009. Mr. McGrady stated that he does not anticipate any foreseeable delay in construction plans as a result of the recent slowdown in the economy. The key players involved in this project were well positioned financially and do not interpret the current economic climate as an obstacle.

On the non-profit side of things, representatives from Sage Fundraising Solutions have established potential contributors and have received a warm welcome so far. Sage will be making full presentations in early 2009 regarding the EarthQuest Institute and museum and do not anticipate any major difficulties.