Grand Texas is a new theme park headed up by Monty Galland, Ed Flint and Patsy Ward aimed at recreating the experience and lifestyle of the 19^th Century Texas frontier. The park is currently being built near the intersection of Hufsmith Korhville and Holderrieth.

Galland, who is the pre-development manager, said he and his partners have been planning the project “for several years.”

“The whole idea was that we wanted to create a theme park based on the history and culture of Texas,” Galland said. “Every one wants to be a cowboy. This will allow people to have a little glimpse at the founders.”

Grand Texas will give opportunities for people to experience what life was like on a typical Texas ranch at Flint Ranch.

Flint Ranch is described as “an exciting, agriculture based activity where everyone can participate in traditional farming and ranching activities like milking a cow, planting seeds or feeding the animals. Flint Ranch is also where you’ll find hay piles to play on, longhorn and bison exhibits, tractors to race, peewee rodeo activities, pig races and bullfrog exhibits.”

“We felt like Flint Ranch would be a great tool for younger families to get out and experience farm life, see beautiful ranches,” Galland said. “Families now, they don’t have the opportunity to milk a cow or play in a hay pile.”

Another attraction will be Boom Town, an indoor facility that will feature mechanical bull riding, mechanical calf roping, and more modern activities such as arcade games, laser tag, “aeroball,” and rock climbing.

“This type of activity we believe is sorely needed,” Galland said. “There aren’t any theme parks in northwest Houston at all. Not only do kids need jobs, they need a place to go.”

Grand Texas could also be an attraction for adults. Other facilities in the works include the Trading Post, where plans call for local merchants, farmers, and artisans to come out on the weekends to share their wares to create a uniquely Texan shopping experience.

The Mansion at Grand Texas will be built in a style reminiscent of the Governor’s Mansion and will provide a facility for weddings, banquets and meetings as well as “catering from some of the finest chefs in the area.”

While researching ideas for Grand Texas, as well as the history of the state, Galland said he, Flint and Ward discovered information that “people weren’t aware of,” and that they hoped to provide a hands-on experience of life in old Texas.

Galland said the project is currently under construction and they are targeting a spring 2010 opening. For more information about Grand Texas, visit www.grandtx.com.

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