New Orleans’ Abandoned Six Flags Theme Park: A 227-Acre Transformation Begins!
OUT with the old and in with the new! The once-vibrant Six Flags theme park in New Orleans, which has been abandoned for almost two decades, is gearing up for an exciting transformation. This expansive **227-acre site** has been left desolate since **Hurricane Katrina** struck in 2005, and now it’s set to evolve into a bustling **entertainment development** featuring indoor and outdoor sports, retail outlets, hotels, and even a water park.
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**Developers at Bayou Phoenix** are the pioneering force behind this remarkable project, having taken control of the abandoned park last October. Their ambitious rebranding plans range from a jaw-dropping **$500 million** to nearly **$1 billion**.
**Innovative Plans for the Six Flags Site**
Troy Henry, the founder of Bayou Phoenix, has unveiled a visionary blueprint to transform the dilapidated remnants of Six Flags into a versatile complex. The future site aims to include:
- Two hotels
- On-site water parks
- A movie studio
- An amphitheater
- An **8.5-acre lake** for swimming and activities
Henry’s team has also secured a **50-year lease** with the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA), setting the stage for extensive development on this site.
**Demolition and Future Construction Timeline**
The journey to revitalize this landmark is already underway. Following a comprehensive **facility condition assessment**, which helps determine the viability of different venues on the property, the team is on the verge of beginning demolition. Henry stated, “The assessment helps us to determine the conditions of the grounds and pilings and infrastructure so that we can make a final placement on what venues can go where on the property.”
**Contractors are expected to** clear the area of defunct rides and attractions as early as next month, with demolition projected to take approximately **five months**. Henry pointed out that he aims to complete this initial phase before New Orleans hosts the **Super Bowl in February 2025**.
**Funding and Future Developments**
As this exciting project kicks off, Bayou Phoenix is seeking around **$100 million** in taxpayer funding to enhance the site’s infrastructure. However, Henry assures that the other segments of the project will be self-financed, minimizing the impact on local taxpayers.
In fact, construction for the new **E. Ross movie studio** is slated to commence in the first quarter of next year, followed closely by plans for new ball fields and indoor sports centers. Henry elaborated, “They’ll do a facility, we think will be about 12-16 fields, baseball, football, that kind of thing, soccer. Then the indoor will have nine basketball courts [and] 16 volleyball courts.”
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**Restoring Faith in the Local Community**
While many New Orleans residents are skeptical of Henry’s ambitious vision, he embraces their doubt as a challenge. “Hide in the bushes and watch us do it,” he urged. “Their skepticism doesn’t bother me one bit. In fact, I welcome it. It just motivates our team more. We’re very confident in this project.”
Henry has set an ambitious timeline to **wrap up construction by 2027**, ensuring that the once-abandoned park becomes a hub of activity and excitement once again.
As the **abandoned Six Flags theme park** transitions into a vital community asset, it represents more than just a physical change; it symbolizes hope and renewal for New Orleans. Residents eagerly await the outcome, hopeful that the revitalization will breathe new life into this long-forgotten space.