Nickelodeon: New theme park to be done right

Many in the New Orleans area have speculated as to whether or not the newly announced, Nickelodeon-themed amusement and water park could revitalize the former Six Flags plot. Adrienne Quintal, a New Orleans East resident, asked WWLTV of Louisiana, "This is the right place for the project, for the city and for all of us. We have had so many ups and downs, especially in the last four years, and we are still struggling to get things going on this end of the city."

Nickelodeon partner Souther Star Amusement says this time, it's being done right. "The economic impact will be 1,500 new jobs, it will come from construction, and permanent jobs will be over 600 jobs," David Crais, and advisor to Southern Star Amusement, told WWLTV. "It will be a major employer in the region."

Nickelodeon mentions the company's contract with the former Mall of America Park as an example of the driving force the Nickelodeon brand carries. "In this economy when all theme parks are down, attendance is up 27 percent. That's the power of Nickelodeon," said Gerald Raines, senior director of Theme Parks and Attractions for Nickelodeon.

The initial plans for the park have it occupying 85 acres of land, with another 80 acres set aside for future development. Some of the current structures inhabiting the abandoned Six Flags park are being renovated for use while many others are being torn down to make way for new attractions. [WWLTV]