Iowa Rainforest project

icejammer · Joined: 05 Oct 2004 Posts: 1140 Location: Council Bluffs

Instead of a pissing match of semantics, let us stay on topic, how much support might come from the metro for this project?

Thanks.

jhuston · Joined: 13 Nov 2003 Posts: 4030 Location: west Omaha

It'll pick up cross state travellers... I'd be surprised if it drew the kind of numbers the Des Moines metro draws from Omaha however (which offers at least a weekend's worth of attractions). Omahans support the regional attractions well though, from the Corn Palace to the Ozarks... we're there.

icejammer · Joined: 05 Oct 2004 Posts: 1140 Location: Council Bluffs

I'm sure it will pick up travellers off the interstate, but not nearly enough for their projected numbers. I've just been curious what the support from over here would be, as supporters have previously touted the project as a weekend getaway from Chicago, which is almost identical mileage as Omaha, but they don't much mention Omaha (other than in comparing projected attendance figures with the Zoo's numbers here to "boost" their project). I'm getting the sense that the Omaha view is Iowa = pretty much the same as Nebraska, while the Chicago view is apparently Iowa = quaint weekend getaway. I guess?

MrTwister · Joined: 14 Aug 2004 Posts: 50

There is quite a bit of difference between a "Disney" environment and a biosphere, and that is the difference I'm talking about, that exists between the Lied Jungle and what is being planned for the Iowa Rainforest.

I happen to believe the numbers of visitors are grossly inflated and most investors seem to think so too as they haven't been able to secure financing and donations yet.

It's an interesting idea, but one that is a little too ambitious for the plains of Iowa.

jhuston · Joined: 13 Nov 2003 Posts: 4030 Location: west Omaha

Actually I think there is very little difference. Unfortunately, it may be the perceived difference which is the projects undoing.

People come to the zoo (and the jungle) looking for the 'Disney' zoo trip. But the fact is, behind the scenes you'll find a scientific/reproductive research effort going on which is the rival of any in the world. So... the 'Disney' revenue funds Lee Simmons real ambitions... science. That is the hallmark of any good zoo. As it happens... Henry Doorly is among the best (anyone know that HDZ funds permanent research center in South Africa?).

The problem with the Iowa Rainforest, may in fact be that it is billing itself as a education/research facility first and foremost. Let's face it, you NEED the 'Disney' draw to attract large numbers of people. In the end, I suspect the appeal of the Iowa Rainforest will be very much like that of the Lied Jungle (ie tropical setting, plants, animals, etc)... regardless of how the motives are presented (that is all the average numb skull visitor cares about).

So, we can say they're both different... but when it comes down to the admission fee toting public... the expectations wouldn't be any different. Unless it's marketed as something 'boring' in the first place... and they don't show up (point? use the 'Disney' marketing regardless of what you think your target audience/perceived draw is).

icejammer · Joined: 05 Oct 2004 Posts: 1140 Location: Council Bluffs

Well, can't say as Dubuque would be my first pick for a backup city to locate in (nothing against Dubuque, but the traffic isn't anywhere close to what the I-80 traffic would be), but not surprising the Rainforest people are going on the offensive here, trying to shift the "blame" onto the City of Coralville (when it's been the promoters who have been unable to meet any of the city's demands for financing, etc.). But, if it does get built in Dubuque, that will be one more feather in the cap for an area that's finally getting back on it's feet....

Coralville rain forest on shaky ground

Ingersoll1978 · Joined: 22 May 2004 Posts: 374 Location: Des Moines

There are four Iowa communities that have their names in the hat (at least publicly)...

Des Moines
Dubuque
Riverside
Tiffin

It may well end up being like a zoo attraction. Here in Des Moines, there is talk of moving Blank Park Zoo next to the rainforest on the Des Moines River on the other side of Principal Park (Iowa Cubs) to tie into all the attractions that are in the area and along the Principal Riverwalk. This is going to get quite interesting.
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icejammer · Joined: 05 Oct 2004 Posts: 1140 Location: Council Bluffs

Another hat in the ring for this development:

Indoor rain forest sought for Pella

icejammer · Joined: 05 Oct 2004 Posts: 1140 Location: Council Bluffs

Well, supporters of the project seem pretty confident this is going to happen, and even have a new name for the project:

Project gets name: Earthpark

icejammer · Joined: 05 Oct 2004 Posts: 1140 Location: Council Bluffs

It must be really official if they have a website:

Earthpark Website
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midtown charlie · Joined: 06 Nov 2005 Posts: 165 Location: Omaha

One more of many reasons to live in Omaha. Earthpark is only a few hours away. Gotta love the increasing number of regional attractions!! Sounds like a cool project!!!
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