New Orleans plans Nickelodeon theme park

NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Nickelodeon, the city of New Orleans and Southern Star Amusement have announced plans to create a themed water park called Nickelodeon Universe New Orleans.

Nickelodeon and Southern Star have entered into a licensing arrangement in which Southern Star will construct the park featuring the Nickelodeon brand and characters from its TV programs such as "SpongeBob SquarePants," "Dora the Explorer," "Go, Diego, Go!" and "Avatar: The Last Airbender."

The Nickelodeon/Southern Star agreement is part of redevelopment plans by the city and Southern Star for a 65-acre parcel -- formerly Jazzland/Six Flags -- in eastern New Orleans. It will represent Nickelodeon's first outdoor theme park, city officials said in a release.

Nickelodeon rides, costumed characters, live interactive entertainment, retail shops, games and food establishments are expected to be featured. Construction is to begin this fall after the creative and architectural plans are complete and the park is targeted to open by the end of 2010.