TexasLand USA Theme Park vs. Rural Texas: A Fight for the Land We Call Home
Theme Park? Where?
There has been a theme park project floating around the Waller, Galveston, and Montgomery areas for a bit now. In early May 2025, it came to our attention that they landed at the SW corner of 1887 and 3346 in Hempstead. This project has not really announced themselves to the residents of the area, but they are a Texas history and culture themed theme park, called TexasLand USA.
HB5685? Who benefits?
We also learned that a bill was filed in the Texas Legislature to create an improvement district in the area for the benefit of the theme park developer. That bill was making its way through the legislative process. Thanks to everyone's calls and emails to our legislators, it has been slowed down but this bill is not dead yet. If passed, it will be a vehicle whereby the theme park developer gains sweeping powers and sets a dangerous precedent.
This bill is similar to what Disney created in Florida - simply put - a state within a state. There is no County control or voter input.
Concerns
How will this new theme park affect traffic, crime, property values, and encourage development that tends to follow these theme parks - all of which would be detrimental to our area? We all know development is headed our way. But not all growth is good growth.
Research shows that most of these types of parks fail. Of course, once they fail it's too late for surrounding property. The damage has already been done.
Crime around theme parks has been proven to increase up to 200%.
Location, location, location!
Environmental Concerns
Theme parks are high-traffic spaces. They consume large amounts of energy, generate waste, and interact with natural resources.
Water Use & Management
Vast amounts of water are required. Stormwater runoff from parking lots and walkways carry pollutants into local waterways.
Air Quality & Emissions
Theme parks with fuel-powered rides, generators, fireworks displays release pollutants into the air.
Waste & Hazardous Waste
With (potentially) thousands of daily visitors, theme parks produce tons of waste, including food scraps, plastic, and packaging.
Chemical Handling
Theme parks use a variety of chemicals for cleaning, pool maintenance, and landscaping. Additionally, firework shows, painting, and mechanical maintenance can involve hazardous materials.
Oil & Petroleum
Vehicles, generators, and ride maintenance equipment all require fuel, hydraulic fluids, and lubricants. A single oil spill can contaminate nearby soil and water.