The City of New Orleans announced that the former site of Six Flags amusement park in New Orleans East, which has been closed since Katrina, is getting a new lease on life. It will be rebuilt and reopened as Nickelodeon's first stand alone theme park, called Nickelodeon Universe New Orleans, and will include a water park. The park is shceduled to go under construction in the fall of 2009, and open late 2010. The detailed article from New Orleans City Business can be found here.

This is great news for continuing efforts to move on from Katrina, not only for New Orleans East which desperately needs the return of its businesses, but also for the entire New Orleans metro area. A world class attraction like this in addition to the places tourists already visit will be a boost in jobs, spending, and resolve the issue of Six Flags' default on their ground lease which the city hsa been eating for years.

Of course with characters in tow like Spongebob and Dora, we'll also add to attractions like the Audubon Zoo, Acquarium of the Americas, City Park, and several other intitiatives aimed at families. Let's face it...our most famous assets, Bourbon Street and Mardi Gras, are largely not kid friendly.

Congrats to the city and Nickelodeon for doing the right thing. I for one can't wait for the opening.