Yes,let Cuero or Goliad have it!!

I am native Victorian 64 yrs.
THERE IS NOTHING FUN HERE AND HAS NEVER BEEN
ANYTHING FUN HERE,

that is why I TOOK MY GRANDCHILDREN to GOLIAD yesterday, went to garage sales, and to the wonderful
childrens park there!

We go to New Braunfels, San Marcos,San Antonio,
etc TO HAVE FUN!

We do that today, and my grandchildren of Victoria will do that the next generation, because
I do not expect to see any really great changes
in Victoria, it seems like the inspirational individuals are in other towns!

CLEAN UP THE RIVER, it is wonderful for tubing! My entire family has tubed the river.

Hopefully the Water Park will make it here,
what a change that might be!!!

I think a waterpark (if operated properly) would be a great asset financially for the city and it's residents. It would offer jobs and bring more revenue to the city from outside sources. Yes, it would mean a possible increase in crime do to an influx of people visiting from other locations, but isn't that why we have one of the highest ratios of law enforcement to civilians in the state of Texas? Lets use them. It's about time we stop practicing "Good 'ol boy if it ain't benefitting me I don't want it politics" and do something that will actually help the city grow in a positive direction.

It would have to be at a better location for sure. A drag strip would be way better for the city!

n45BA,

Two years away? With the new route of the parade, I predict it will be this year.

usesomelogic,
Go down to Riverside on any Saturday or Sunday. You'll find at least three groups of which about half the people are getting $&it faced and the other half thinks it's all in good fun.

Same thing will happen at the water park "if those owning the waterpark allow it to".

For myself,If I see that kind of activity allowed to go unchecked. I will happily never return to that establishment. I don't call the cops, I let them go out of business.
Most families don't like stupid behavior. Victoria has just enough families that think it's really funny and it gets ruined for the rest of us.

Good example, Our Christmas parade is about two years away from turning into a drunken brawl. Watch!

I see that a lot of you are saying parents do not control their kids in Victoria. This is mentioned multiple times in this comment area and several others. OK let me speak up for the parents. FIRST OFF MY KIDS ARE GROWN MATURE PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS BEFORE YOU START IN ON ME. Ok now for the defense of these parents. The laws today have changed parenting for the worse. You can not spank your child or your abusing them, you can not scream and yell at your child or your abusing them, you can not keep things from them or your depriving them and that is abuse, you can not work them until they break a sweat because your breaking child labor laws and that is abuse. These kids are taught in school that to turn their parents in if they get smacked. Basically society is why these kids are bad. In my day if I did wrong mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, uncles, aunts, the neighbors and anyone else busted my butt if I did wrong. Guess what I thought twice before I did anything. If I bad mouthed I got soap in my mouth or popped across the face so guess what I did not bad mouth. If I broke the rules I worked from sun up to sun down with my parents on my rear the whole time. So I did not break the rules. We practiced religion in the schools and we said our national anthem every day. We were taught respect, pride, courage and fear. Yes fear the most important one of all. Fear what is going to happen to your a.. if you messed up. The kids today are taught disrespect, discouragement, hate and no pride. I raised my kids old school and guess what they never broke the law or spent one night in jail. They graduated school and learned a trade and are hard working self supporting me. OLD SCHOOL WORKS!

I think this is a great idea but there is no way that the juvenile delinquents that run the streets of Victoria will keep this place nice. If you have walked the new walking trail then you have seen the graffiti. It is really sad. Victoria has too many parent's that do not control their children or teach them how to respect other peoples property. I wish I didn't sound so negative but I am sure in a years time something will happen concerning the water park. There are too many parent's that let their kids run the streets at all hours of the night. These are the parent's that have no control over their kids. Those are the kids that burglarize homes & buisness. It's sad to say those same kids will be the ones to break into the water park, vandalize it & destroy it. This isn't fair to the kids in our community that are deserving of this.

roberttx: "the red river entrance to riverside park is an embarrasment"

Very true, but the entire Riverside Park, sans golf course, and baseball stadium is an eyesore. The last drive I took through the park, I was shocked by the decay that has been allowed to permeate unabated. Many of the wooden posts that line the roadways were broken or laying over. Cables were on the ground. Tree limbs were hanging to the ground. An abundance of trash was in evidence as well. The people utilizing the park at that time were not the type of people that made me want to park nearby or be in close proximity to. I understand that police presence in the park is virtually non-existent. At one time the park was quite nice though and could be again if the city would get involved and make it a priority. Until that happens, the idea of a waterpark in that area doesn't seem to make sense.

Most water parks have there own sound system. This would drown out th noise from both the gun range and outdoor concerts at the park. What dose bars being open have to do with the water park? I'm not real sure why so many people think old drunks are going to want to hang out at the water park. If someone is drunk and at the park you do the same thing you do when someone is drunk and at any other public venue you call the police. Further more if the park did get water from our river it would likely be put right back in.

1 is the gun range still open? may be an issue w/ noise.
2. will the bars be open at the same time as the water park?
3. will outide concerts happen during park open times?

we need something but lets do it right and it stay viable on its own and all varaibles are reviewed.

Many good points have been made in this thread. One additional one that hasn't been dealt with directly is what impact would water restrictions (like we have encountered for the last several months) due to low levels in the Guadalupe have on this venture? If taxpayers are restricted from using water but a private business can draw down riverflow this does not sound very equitable.

I agree with the comments about the "view" when driving into the park on the Red River entrance but after driving through this past Sunday (first time in over a year) the main entrance by the ball fields looks just as bad or worse. I cannot believe how the remnants of the Little League fields have been left. Attracting visitors to Riverside is going to take more then a water park it is going to take an overall facelift.

I personally think the dollars spent on the hike/bike trail were misdirected and not well thought out and I hope the planning for any additions to Riverside will be more carefully considered. One last comment, we are seeing major oilfield businesses leaving Victoria, why not offer some incentives to existing businesses to NOT relocate?

Does Victoria need and will Victoria support a privately owned water park and a "taxpayer" funded park (the one proposed on Airline which will be much smaller and free to the public)? Tuesdays meeting should be interesting.

I talked to the original builder of the Riverside Convention Centers son years ago. He said that his father had hauled in enough fill dirt to raise the building site by 13'.

That is many a load of dirt.

"Building the location up" would be a great idea, with private investment.

True that the water park location is in a flood zone. Have any of you ever heard of building the location up to make it higher? If I remember correctly the last time we had a flood the convention center did not get any water in it. Why? Because it was built on a higher location. As far as the ball park I believe we should keep it, it has a lot of history and memories in it. Some of you all were to young to remember the greats that played in "Rosebud Stadium". And to the person who worries so much about thugs, they are every where no matter what type of business you have a thug is in your mist. So quite worrying and start making a differance in this city get involved and help make the x-roads a place to come to and enjoy. And oh yea the river walk in San Antonio does have thugs with guns. Guess you all do not read what goes on in down town SA.

People please, who so negative??!! This sounds like something very nice for our city and something that has been needed for a very long time. I certainly hope that our city council will come up with some incentives that will work for everyone.

Schlitterbahn has a nice park in New Braunfels and one at South Padre. They would probably not be interested in putting a park here so close to their others, however the smaller park at Sheriden is successful, and while it's no Schilitterbahn, offers a nice place for people to take their children during the summer to have some good clean fun. This would be a wonderful thing for the people of this area. We need more good wholesome activities for our children during the summer rather than having them sit in front of the TV or video games. Parents can take them to a water park right here rather than travel to Sheridan or New Braunfels. This park may not be challenging enough to keep teenagers happy, but we have lots of young families who would have a lot of fun at a facility of this type. It would definitely fill a void in this area.

Heck the Yankees, turned Yankee Stadium into a parking lot.

If any ballpark should have been saved it was that one.

tafoer,

I agree what is so historic about it, other than the age?

The Beatles played Shea Stadium and the Mets replaced it.

My suggestion, raze it and start anew. With better amenities, better sightlines and such.

Unfortunatley, abatements are part of the cost of doing business these days, especially if a city or region wants to grow. It's the fact. Not a fan of it, since my tax burden grows to fund but if that is what it takes to compete with another city so be it. My tax burden will also grow if the population base shrinks. It's 6 of one, half dozen of the other. I would prefer a growing city to one that is shrinking in population yet still having to maintain infrastructure.

JackDeuce,

You're onto something with the Schlitterbahn example.

I'm sorry, is this going to be a "city" water park or are we talking about the city footing the bill (or parts of the bill) so some schmuck can reap the rewards?

I think if this developer wants to make money off of a water park, more power to him. Let him go to the bank and get a loan, seek out other business partners/investors, etc. Can anyone tell me why the taxpayers should be expected to divvy up the loot to help stuff this guy's pockets?

the red river entrance to riverside park is an embarrasment

I must have missed something. What's so historic about Riverside Stadium? I could see someone having a sentimental attachment for something that happened there, but historic!

When talk turns to incentives, that's code for preferential treatment. Local taxpayer's and businesses already contributing to the local economy will be asked to help subsidize this business. There was a time when the city council was merely asked to whatasize utilites and grant variances to attract new businesses. Now it looks like city council is being asked to part with their take of the tax revenue every other business has to collect. Incentives and abatements is a mighty slippery slope to go down. And it is laughable that the guys are not so subtly hinting they might build this elsewhere.

One other thought,

If Victoria (or Cuero, or Goliad) was such a great location for a water park, wouldn't the Schlitterbahn folks already have figured that out?

You blame the city council for failing the kids???

Wow! I wonder what part the parents play in finding something for the kids to do??? Heaven forbid the parents find something and actually participate in it with the kids.

That statement may be up for the Vicad Forum Emmy Award in the Worst Post Ever category.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Great comments about the hazards of location JackDuece

"The city council will also receive a report from Doug Cochran, director of parks and recreation, about plans for Riverside Stadium.

He declined to be more specific, but said it would deal with operation and maintenance of the historic stadium."

Rumors abound that the city is looking to have an entity take over management and operations of Riverside Stadium.

Probably not a bad idea, if the city can find an entity who has the proper experience and resources to do so. What is not needed is an entity that is involved in other businesses or gainfully employed elsewhere and will only be able to do so when their schedule permits.

Since when has the City Council been in charge of entertaining your kids? Isn't it enough that the taxpayer is educating your offspring? Now we are supposed to keep them amused as well?

Don't get me wrong, if a private business opens up with out "incentives" I all for it. Otherwise stick to running rundown beer joints and let parents find something for "our kids to do".

I believe Schlitterbahn in New Branfels is also in a flood plain and the one in Galveston can be wiped out by hurricanes.
Should I not open a business because I might get robbed? Should I not drive because I might get in a wreck? That is why there is business insurance and it is that negative attitude that has kept this city from becoming a great city.

City should offer some incentives for a couple of years and then the taxes should start coming in. The trade off is increased temporary jobs during construction and start up offsets tax revenue lost. It's how cities and states all around the country lure big corporations (see Delaware for example).

I would think being a water park, flood damage could be minimized with some itelligent design work. ie: cement berm all around the park or other mechanism to divert water flow away from water park.

If this is a get rich quick scheme or lets make a quuick buck and sell it so some poor schmuck plan than it will be doomed from the start no matter what is done.

If it is well thought out and the business plan makes sense over the next 7-10 years, then there should be no concern.

City should take a long hard look at that business plan before it makes it's decision.

tnt88 I agree that the kids need something to do but what I don't agree with you is that you would rather have a higher entry charge to keep riff raff out? Most people that have mony are thugs so I don't really see your point! Besides the fact that we do not have the water nor the funds to put in such a park. They needed to do this a few years ago. It seems that when there is not water or money everyone is on board to jump in but when the resources are readily available people choose to do other things instead. This town take 0 interest in the kids if they did have any interest, there would be more for them to do here. I blame Victoria city council for failing these kids. Its all about them and who cares about any thing else. WAKE UP PEOPLE!

Let's see now, where do I start. A WATER PARK... I have sat here and read all the pro's and con's comments for the water park. You talk about taxable revenue, well there won't be any taxable revenue that will come from the park, that will make it worth developing. Tell me WHAT Victoria has that will attract people from other town's cities that do not already have a water park closer to them. This project is proposed in a very bad location and will cost the developers and US more money that it will ever be able to generate. You have forgotten that water ever comes to Victoria and is developed YOU/US/ME have to pay for in tax increases. Remember the proposed water park will have to be supported by the river which means our water consumption will go up as well as your taxable rates for that usage. As we all know this will not be a year round park and if it is open half the time of the projected time I will be really surprised do to a varying weather conditions here and in the hills that love to FLOOD our RIVERS. If you would like to see anything done in Victoria on the development side and JOBS growth then push for the development of the LONE TREE area for job stimulation other than oilfield service companies. Please do not get me wrong, I MY SELF work in the oilfield service sector and have done so all my life. I have seen a number of towns that have been and are oilfield dependent and have become ghost towns and this IS WHAT VICTORIA HEADING FOR. I have watched a number of companies leave Victoria and I now more are to come SOON and I know who they are. Everyone needs to face the fact that Victoria is a dying town and our city council is not help the matters at all. I have watched our city council constantly speak of promoting the city and it's beautification program that is worthless. So please tell me what Victoria has to offer for promoting our cities economic growth, NOTHING. Victoria is not a major hub and has NO logistical reason for attracting any companies that will be willing to move in a create jobs.

Wonderful idea. The location needs some more thought, but I am sure it needs to be close to a major water source.As for the thugs, the simple way to keep undesirables out is to charge a fairly high rate, this will generate good revenue and keep free loaders away. Victoria has nothing for the youth. This would be a great opportunity to get some tourist dollars.

The Victoria Zoo turned down the land that was donated to them, why not located there?

@Rancher:
You are making blind assumptions. You don't know how much if any of this park will come out of the tax payers pocket. I do agree that the location isn't the best.

Legion357, you are absolutely right. No matter how "nice" the park would be, I'm surprised the City would even be considering this due to the challenge to secure ample water...folks, remember, you are the ones who will be paying the rates and taxes on this project. Kenneth, and it will greatly impact senior citizens as well.

@KennethSchustereit:
Your post has nothing to do with building a new water park! I don't like that fact that utilities are going up. But you are delusional if you think that amount that they are proposing going up on our utilities is going to prevent someone from eating. Now the elderly and how much they are forced to pay for meds is a whole other ballgame. The city water park is going to do alot for our town in all areas. But im sure there will be enough people like you that are going to complain enough to get the idea of the park run out of town!

Just the road leading to Riverside Park is enough to turn away visitors. I've had several "out of towners" venture to Riverside Golf Course while in the area, and remark that they thought they were driving into the ghetto when first entering.

And that run down abandoned looking "convention center" just adds to the charm....

This is a terrible location. There is limited access, and this area floods. Is the Lazy River going to circle around the dumpy convention center? If I were going to pitch a proposal to build something like this, I would first prove my ability to run and maintain a business. If it is going to turn out like the convention center, then flooded river water running thru it will do just fine.

Why would anyone want to build this in a flood zone? First flood we have they will have to shut down and be closed for weeks for cleaning.

It will be absolutely amazing if they can get this past by the city and an insurance company. The concept is a good one I will give them taht BUT the location??? In business they always say LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION is the key to success. TOOOO many times during the 36 years I lived there I have seen this part of the park under water. Once the river water gets mixed up in the system at this park it will take weeks to clean up then there goees revenue and then closure. Does noone remeber the failed attempt at a waterslide near palace bolwling alley/bingo? How long did that eyesore welcome visitors to our fair city coming in from houston?????

moneyman,
If you haven't noticed, there are many Victorians that think a 40 year old drunk is a perfect example for their kids to have around them.

Just drive through Riverside any weekend. These are the same people, that if allowed, will cause this w-a-t-e-r p-a-r-k to be a one time visit and never return. That is not a succesful way to run a business and Victoria has a nasty habit of allowing this kind of thing to happen.

Hang out at Riverside or the (for lack of a better term) "convention center", you'll see. How this wreck of a beer joint ever got the name "convention center" is beyond me. It should be more aptly named "trashy building that no one knows what to do with".

Go to San Antonio's Riverwalk. Almost everyone there is having an enjoyable day and few worthless drunks or thugs are allowed to hang out very long.

Victoria hasn't seemed to grasp this concept.

We need a waterpark like we need another Will Armstrong for mayor.

I have two comments...

First, I thought a water park was planned in that large open area just west of Tangerine subdivision, close to Memorial High School. I know that was in the paper a couple of months ago. What happened to those plans?

Also, for those of you who are so negative about "incentives..." those are MANY times offered to get a business to come to a town/city. Happens without comment in most modern cities today. I agree with the person who talked about flooding issues...when the river DOES flood, that is an area of particular concern. However, you can't keep preventing businesses from opening. Families and youth need something fun and wholesome to do in this town. The tax revenue will be a good infusion of income. The permanent (and part-time) jobs will be good for the economy. Some of you really need to break out of your "don't make any changes, keep everything the way it is (or worse yet - totally off-topic - go back to the old days of VHS and SHS), etc." and move with the times! This town is stagnating, thanks in large part to our City Council and a population who refuses to get out and vote new people onto the City Council who can make a difference.

"Incentives" sounds like a means to get the city to guarantee/finance/own such a park. Let Cuero or Goliad it.

I read some of the negative stuff about the water park. Seems like someone has a beef about the owner. And as far as thugs come on it is going to be a family type park. Hopefully no alcohol will be served. You can't shoot something down till you tried it. It would be a big plus for this city and you would not have to drive a hour or so to go to one and the money you would spend going out of town can now be kept in the city if this development goes through. And oh yea this is a w-a-t-e-r p-a-r-k not a c-l-u-b. Did I write this to fast for you. LOL

Same owner who can't seem to figure out how to get a crowd down at the convention center....first Liquid Lounge then Metropolis.....Too many thugs, hopefully that is not the crowd he is trying to attract.

He does have a nice gym though.

Can you get season passes? ;)

So while senior citizens decide if they will eat good this month or take their meds, their city utilities are going up while we build yet another new park?
Are these people insane?

Sorry if I were the developers I would think twice due to flooding issues. jmo

victorians are just dying for somewhere to go. lots of money to be made.

There will be many problems with something like this.

I find myself wondering how long it will be before drunks and thugs are allowed to hang out there, driving away anyone wanting to just have fun?

This is something Victoria hasn't seemed to figure out. Most people don't want to hang out with drunks and they don't want to be bothered by those that do. Area's for family activities don't require the scum of the earth. Keep them out and it could be a good thing.

Well, IMO, the biggest challenge will be to get water rights from GBRA to draw water from the river (even though it will be recycled), and also to get a right away from the city threw riverside park for the pipeline and pumping unit.

Yes here is a chance.

If something like this is going to be done, then widening Red River and paving it with a nice surface will make visitors enjoy getting there as well.
Then while building the water park, we can tear down that hideous eye sore of a convention center and put something worth going to in it's place. Or just get rid of it.

Make sure the water park folks understand that we will not tolerate unmown grass or trash everywhere.
You want to watch something like this fail, just let it get run down and dirty and pretty soon no one will drive around the block to visit, much less come from out of town.

Demand that the water park people build a nice parking lot to ensure visitors do not have people parking up and down Red River.

I am not holding my breath on the city doing what should be done here.
Any tax breaks would more than be offset by increased sales tax revenue and other taxes generated via adding jobs to the economy.

Here is your chance Victoria, all I have been reading about is what the city can do to attract people to use what Victoria has to offer. The final decision is your ball park now, this plan can draw mega people from all around not just Victoria, helping all the area businesses from eateries to hotels. Come on city council hit a home run.

This would be so nice. I always wondered when moving here why we had to drive to Sheriden for a water park. I hope the city can do whats needed. Victoria needs it.