
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, March 29, 1993                   TAG: 9303290430
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

EXPLORE NEEDS TO DO A REALITY CHECK

DAVID M. Poole's article (March 7, "Is Explore counting on unknown?") was most interesting, particularly after six or more years of delusionary grandeur. What kind of a dilettante organization is this Explore Park outfit, and where did the pompous idiots come from who staff the organization?

Poole's article said Explore's environmental director, Rupert Cutler, envisions a day when the Explore Park is on equal footing with Colonial Williamsburg, etc. This thinking is utterly absurd. The restoration of our colonial capital was undertaken in fulfillment of a plan proposed to the late John D. Rockefeller Jr. The realization of this plan was made possible only by vast expenditures by and the continuing and undiminished interest of the donor. Further, this is a private institution sustained without public funds.

I remember an old college professor once saying, "Gentlemen, there are lies, damned lies, and statistics!" I suggest that the wildly exaggerated statistics emanating from the Explore Project be put to rest and that the planners cease insulting our intelligence.

I further suggest, as I have in the past, that the Explore planners consult with the Virginia Division of Tourism and the Virginia Travel Council to determine usage data of existing tourist attractions before they proffer any more ridiculous statistics. Surely, those competent professional organizations are in a position to offer advice as to feasibility of another tourist attraction, especially one that would be most appropriate to perpetuate Virginia's great heritage. The salient point here is: Don't start vast projects with half-vast ideas.

ROBERT A. MEYERHOFF HARDY

by CNB