Bellevue Bay Indoor Waterpark (Highway 34 and 75)

[Linkin5]

2. I find the location very curious. It’s tucked basically into an invisible spot that not even neighboring subdivisions can see, much less traffic on highways 75 or 34. That intersection can be scary to use right now, even in broad daylight. It was atrociously “designed”. It should have been a full clover-leaf style interchange.

4. Trying to get West Omahans to even go downtown for dinner seems to be a challenge. Asking them to drive 10 additional miles to this location (that probably none of them could find on a map) seems a huge leap of faith, IMO.

I’ve driven through this intersection probably one hundred times with no issue, I’m not sure what is scary about it?

If this is built to what they are proposing it will be a regional draw, getting west Omahans to drive to the location will be no issue, in my opinion.

[GenX]

Will I go to the water park? Not likely as that’s not my thing.

Do I support this water park being successful? ABSOLUTELY!! It’s still an Omaha (area) win, and I’m all for that.

[Stargazer]

I'm approaching 60 and (for nativeomahan) will be bringing my native west Omahan arse down there with my grandkids many times, just as I've frequented all the best of Omaha, from downtown to south O to Aksarben and everywhere else (even scary 24th and Lake and Florence )

[omaha79]

2. I find the location very curious. It’s tucked basically into an invisible spot that not even neighboring subdivisions can see, much less traffic on highways 75 or 34. That intersection can be scary to use right now, even in broad daylight. It was atrociously “designed”. It should have been a full clover-leaf style interchange.

4. Trying to get West Omahans to even go downtown for dinner seems to be a challenge. Asking them to drive 10 additional miles to this location (that probably none of them could find on a map) seems a huge leap of faith, IMO.

I’ve driven through this intersection probably one hundred times with no issue, I’m not sure what is scary about it?

If this is built to what they are proposing it will be a regional draw, getting west Omahans to drive to the location will be no issue, in my opinion.

It can be scary turning left from the exit heading south. It needs a light. That will fix the issue.

[omaha79]

I'm approaching 60 and (for nativeomahan) will be bringing my native west Omahan arse down there with my grandkids many times, just as I've frequented all the best of Omaha, from downtown to south O to Aksarben and everywhere else (even scary 24th and Lake and Florence )

That's the spirit!

[orangeboots]

Can somebody help me understand the financing on this. They are going to use Good Life tax rollback to pay the bonds. Does the Unicameral have to approve this first? Will the bond company sell the bonds before there is a guarantee? Won't the taxpayers be on the hook for any funds not covered by the turnback?

[skinzfan23]

Bellevue leaders say 'demand' means $60 million water park won't leave taxpayers underwater

Basically the new news is that they are going to ask residents to vote for a 1/2 cent sales tax increase on May 14. I wonder if they are really going to start construction this summer as previously stated if that passes. Also, anyone know of the timeline to get approved as a good life district?

The park is designed to attract visitors from as far away as 250 miles, generating an annual economic impact of $72 million, city officials say.

Bellevue applied Feb. 16 to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to create a Good Life District surrounding the interchange of U.S. Highways 75 and 34. The city-owned water park, which would be managed by a private company, would be inside that district.

If state officials approve the application, the 5.5-cent state sales tax on transactions within the district would be cut in half.

Bellevue officials say their intent would be to impose an occupation tax of up to 2.75 cents — the amount given up by the state — on transactions within the district. As a result, park users would still pay the equivalent of the 5.5-cent state tax, but half of the money would go to the city to help pay off the bonds it issued to buy land and build the attraction.

In addition, Bellevue would collect its local sales tax — currently at the 1.5-cent rate — in the district, with those taxes used to repay bonds.

And on top of that, the city also expects to receive a cut of the park revenue, which it could put toward the bond payments, too.

An analysis by a city consultant estimated the city can anticipate $2.4 million in park profits in the first year, according to Harrison Johnson, Bellevue’s director of community and economic development.

Severson told the council that if the water park failed, and the city had to pay the debt without the promised revenues, taxpayers would be on the hook for about $5 million a year. To raise that amount in property taxes would require a tax rate hike of about 9 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, or $180 on a house valued at $200,000. But he said it’s unlikely that the council decide would raise taxes that much.

So as they voted to issue bonds for the water park, council members also voted to ask Bellevue voters to approve a half-cent increase in the city’s local option sales tax. The issue will be on the May 14 primary ballot.

Preister said the increase would bring Bellevue in line with the 2-cent local sales tax in Papillion, Gretna and La Vista in Sarpy County. The proposed increase isn’t specifically intended for the water park project, but it would help if revenues from the project fell short.

[Greg S]

I think this is really good for the local area (and I mean Omaha metro, not just Bellevue). If this had been around when my kids were younger, I would not have hesitated bringing them from NW Omaha.

That being said, they seem to be indicating it being a regional draw and I am not sure I really see that happening. Lincoln I think would be on the outskirts of what this could draw from. Hopefully the financials work without having to draw from over 50 miles.

So I know they are looking at taxing within the district, but is Bellevue also talking about a city-wide increase?

I do have a little skepticism on how Bellevue pulls this off based on how they did with that big baseball/softball facility years ago south of the base. Also, will the city of Bellevue own this and just have others manager, like Ralston does with their arena?

Greg

[skinzfan23]

I don't have all the answers for you, but the park will be managed by the same company that built the one in TX (American Resort Management) its mentioned in the article but they have even committed to building a $25 million hotel on the property. They actually look like a good company with a decent portfolio under them (including one in ND, so they have experience in colder climates as well)

https://www.americanresortmanagement.com/portfolio

I too have skepticism, but if done to the scale that they are planning, there is no doubt that this could be a regional draw. If they carry out the right amount of advertising that would help as well since its very close I-29 and I-80.

The article mentions that the added sales tax will bring it inline with Papillion and other smaller cities in the metro. To me, it sounds like a city-wide 1/2 cent increase in sales tax.

[omaha79]

I don't necessarily see it being a regional draw in and of itself in a bubble. But, it would probably be more of a regional draw when combined with the other things Omaha has to offer. If a family is already coming in for a zoo or CWS weekend from, let's say, Des Moines or KC, they will look for other family friendly things to do. This would be something they could tack on for a 3 day weekend. Now, KC and Des Moines already have solid water park options. I'm not 100% sure it totally moves the needle, but same time, you can only spend so much time at the zoo. If I were planning a 3 day weekend with kids, I'd probably do zoo, luminarium, and this water park. It's a drive from the other two, but it's not that bad.

They are going to have to market well based on the location though.

[skinzfan23]

They are going to have to market well based on the location though.

100% agree. It really isn't that far of a drive, but if they can market it to out of town visitor at places like the zoo or children's museum, that will greatly enhance their chances of succeeding.

I do think that this place could still survive just mostly on local visitors as well. But we all know how profits are and they are probably going to need some level of support from visitors as well to sustain this.

I do feel like there is enough demand in the Omaha/Lincoln area though to let it be successful. We have talked about how poorly Coco Key was run, but there is 100% demand if they can take care of the facility. It is unreal that the only water park we really have is Fun Plex and maybe Mahoney if you count that.

[nativeomahan]

If the Bellevue voters approve in the May election we can all wait for 2026 or 2027 to see how it all plays out.
The only water park I have ever been to in the United States is at Oceans of Fun, which I really enjoyed. I just don’t see many people from Missouri or Kansas attending as they have their own water parks basically in their back yard.

[ozbone69]

I don't necessarily see it being a regional draw in and of itself in a bubble. But, it would probably be more of a regional draw when combined with the other things Omaha has to offer. If a family is already coming in for a zoo or CWS weekend from, let's say, Des Moines or KC, they will look for other family friendly things to do. This would be something they could tack on for a 3 day weekend. Now, KC and Des Moines already have solid water park options. I'm not 100% sure it totally moves the needle, but same time, you can only spend so much time at the zoo. If I were planning a 3 day weekend with kids, I'd probably do zoo, luminarium, and this water park. It's a drive from the other two, but it's not that bad.

They are going to have to market well based on the location though.

It all depends. We've made trips to KC just to do Great Wolf Lodge. If this is done right, there's no reason to think people from the region would't do the same for it. Of course I would also expect a buildup of other shops/restaurants around it (not necessarily to the extent of Legends of course).

But I also think you're spot on that this would simply add to the growing list of attractions that are already bringing people to Omaha. If you're in town for the CWS or NCAA Tourney and you're in between gamedays, maybe you head down with the kids. Or you come here on a trip to see the zoo and go there. Heck, you have family back in Omaha and are here for a week...etc. Why wouldn't someone want to go to this if done right?

The location thing (at least for an out of towner like myself) is a moot point. Short of putting it way out in some seedy area (which this is not), we'll drive all over a metro area on vacation to go to a variety of different attractions. Was just in Denver last weekend, went to a brewery up north, top golf down south, bars downtown, etc.

[Omahayngin]

are there more renderings or specifics? while this is cool and all especially the roof for winter use but it just doesn’t seem all that impressive when every other metro has much bigger water parks and even fun plex is expanding its waterpark I believe

[skinzfan23]

are there more renderings or specifics? while this is cool and all especially the roof for winter use but it just doesn’t seem all that impressive when every other metro has much bigger water parks and even fun plex is expanding its waterpark I believe

They are literally building and modeling this after epic waterpark in tx. Google that and you can see reviews, pictures and exactly what it will look like. There aren’t many indoor water parks of this size in the country. Most are well under 100,000 sq ft.

[CBJason]

are there more renderings or specifics? while this is cool and all especially the roof for winter use but it just doesn’t seem all that impressive when every other metro has much bigger water parks and even fun plex is expanding its waterpark I believe

How many metros have water parks 100k+? I’ll wait for the answer. Then how many being indoors? I’ll wait again. The second question is ultimately why this will be a big deal.

[omaha79]

I don't necessarily see it being a regional draw in and of itself in a bubble. But, it would probably be more of a regional draw when combined with the other things Omaha has to offer. If a family is already coming in for a zoo or CWS weekend from, let's say, Des Moines or KC, they will look for other family friendly things to do. This would be something they could tack on for a 3 day weekend. Now, KC and Des Moines already have solid water park options. I'm not 100% sure it totally moves the needle, but same time, you can only spend so much time at the zoo. If I were planning a 3 day weekend with kids, I'd probably do zoo, luminarium, and this water park. It's a drive from the other two, but it's not that bad.

They are going to have to market well based on the location though.

It all depends. We've made trips to KC just to do Great Wolf Lodge. If this is done right, there's no reason to think people from the region would't do the same for it. Of course I would also expect a buildup of other shops/restaurants around it (not necessarily to the extent of Legends of course).

But I also think you're spot on that this would simply add to the growing list of attractions that are already bringing people to Omaha. If you're in town for the CWS or NCAA Tourney and you're in between gamedays, maybe you head down with the kids. Or you come here on a trip to see the zoo and go there. Heck, you have family back in Omaha and are here for a week...etc. Why wouldn't someone want to go to this if done right?

The location thing (at least for an out of towner like myself) is a moot point. Short of putting it way out in some seedy area (which this is not), we'll drive all over a metro area on vacation to go to a variety of different attractions. Was just in Denver last weekend, went to a brewery up north, top golf down south, bars downtown, etc.

Exactly. for out of towners, it's more of a "is this close to a major freeway?" This is. That will be the main point. Driving 15 minutes from their hotel downtown shouldn't be a major concern as long as they have a car.

[skinzfan23]

Bellevue Announces Significant Progress in Development of Large Water Park Complex

Great to hear some movement on this. Sounds like the theme and more info will be released after May 30th.

The City of Bellevue is excited to announce significant progress in the development of the Bellevue City Water Park and surrounding area. The City has approved an agreement for 70 acres for development of the water park, hotels, restaurants, and other entertainment venues. With this purchase, the City plans to start site work as soon as late Summer or early Fall of this year. Additionally, the City is looking to begin material acquisition within the coming months to meet supply timelines.

Bellevue is also delighted to announce that it has already received two commitments from hotel operators who have plans to develop hotels within phase one of the entertainment district that will feature the water park as its key attraction. Negotiations are underway with several national brands that include Raddison, Marriot and Hilton. The hotels built in phase one will be connected to the water park by covered, climate-controlled walkways to better serve guests in the fall and winter months.

Additionally, the design for the Water Park and the Recreation/Entertainment District is starting in earnest. The City is working closely with design teams to create a modern, family friendly, resort style development where the water park serves as a regionally unique anchor project. The development of the Water Park branding will seek to incorporate Bellevue’s unique and exciting history, as well as visions of future success. The City anticipates announcing the name and theme of the water park after May 30th.

[thenewguy]

Bellevue Announces Significant Progress in Development of Large Water Park Complex

Great to hear some movement on this. Sounds like the theme and more info will be released after May 30th.

The City of Bellevue is excited to announce significant progress in the development of the Bellevue City Water Park and surrounding area. The City has approved an agreement for 70 acres for development of the water park, hotels, restaurants, and other entertainment venues. With this purchase, the City plans to start site work as soon as late Summer or early Fall of this year. Additionally, the City is looking to begin material acquisition within the coming months to meet supply timelines.

Bellevue is also delighted to announce that it has already received two commitments from hotel operators who have plans to develop hotels within phase one of the entertainment district that will feature the water park as its key attraction. Negotiations are underway with several national brands that include Raddison, Marriot and Hilton. The hotels built in phase one will be connected to the water park by covered, climate-controlled walkways to better serve guests in the fall and winter months.

Additionally, the design for the Water Park and the Recreation/Entertainment District is starting in earnest. The City is working closely with design teams to create a modern, family friendly, resort style development where the water park serves as a regionally unique anchor project. The development of the Water Park branding will seek to incorporate Bellevue’s unique and exciting history, as well as visions of future success. The City anticipates announcing the name and theme of the water park after May 30th.

honestly can't wait. Funplex is great and all, but it'd be fantastic to have something to take the kids to during the less desirable weather months

[skinzfan23]

Glad that it seems Bellevue got on this rather quickly. If everything is still a go that is great news.

I was recently searching online and there is a very similar waterpark proposed for Bradley, IL, which is about 60 miles SW of Chicago and then of course Des Moines had proposed one as well about 1 1/2 yrs ago.

If Bellevue is really planning on tourists to make the project more feasible, it would be smart to get it built before these other areas. Maybe not as much of direct competition from Chicago area, but beating Des Moines should help to solidify the waterpark for Bellevue. I don't think that Iowa and NE can support 2 of these mega indoor waterparks. Although, I believe the Des Moines doesn't have the ability to open the roof.

[Greg S]

So I work in Bellevue and there's been a lot of talk amongst the people I work with that live in Bellevue. They said the mayor recently got fined for having property in Old Towne that he may have benefited improperly from the city.

They are also saying he owns the land or some of the land with this waterpark. No idea if this is true.

[skinzfan23]

So I work in Bellevue and there's been a lot of talk amongst the people I work with that live in Bellevue. They said the mayor recently got fined for having property in Old Towne that he may have benefited improperly from the city.

They are also saying he owns the land or some of the land with this waterpark. No idea if this is true.

I live in Bellevue and it is always crazy what people say when they only know part of the story.

In regards to those comments, he was recently fined

https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/may ... ly%20owned.

According to the commission’s investigation, Hike was part owner of that property within a year of the vote, and the mayor’s real estate company was marketing it for sale.

The council’s vote on the resolution to blight the property was 4-4, with the mayor casting the tie-breaking vote to approve the measure.

The commission found that Hike had violated two state statutes — failing to file a conflict of interest statement, and using his office, through his vote, for financial gain.

In a settlement agreement with the Accountability and Disclosure Commission, Hike agreed to pay a civil penalty of $5,000 and file conflict of interest statements in the future.

And yes, his family does own one of the properties that were sold for the development of the water park. I have no problem with that as long as it was for market value.

So many of my neighbors complain all the time about the waterpark. I can honestly say that I am torn. I really like the development and have researched quite a bit about it (mostly b/c it will be so close to our house) but I do like how the area is pretty quiet right now.

I just hear so many people say there is nothing to do and then when things like this get proposed (I definitely think the Omaha area is long overdue for a waterpark, and FunPlex doesn't count, although it has gotten a little better over the years) they all scream that is why they moved here to be away from the hustle and bustle of west Omaha.

My comment is, you can't expect to live on the outer ridge of the metro and not expect the area to expand. The sewer line has kept development pretty low key in southern Sarpy county, but I think that is about to change, especially for the area on the south edge of Papillion.

[skinzfan23]

Bellevue didn't approve the 1/2 cent proposed sales tax increase but according to city officials, this won't have any impact on the waterpark funding. (They had stated that the increased tax could help the waterpark if it was in need, but the waterpark wasn't dependent on the tax increase getting approved)

So things are still all go on the waterpark front for now.

According to previous articles, the name and theme of the waterpark should be released after May 30th, so maybe we will hear some more details soon.

[Dundeemaha]

I loved the messaging on that sales tax increase.

We're building a brand new amazing water park that will make the city tons of money! Also, could you approve an unrelated increase in sales tax for... umm... PARKS! But not that new water park, that will make money! But hey, if it doesn't, we could just use this handy park sales tax to avoid bankruptcy.

[SpecificPacific]

I loved the messaging on that sales tax increase.

We're building a brand new amazing water park that will make the city tons of money! Also, could you approve an unrelated increase in sales tax for... umm... PARKS! But not that new water park, that will make money! But hey, if it doesn't, we could just use this handy park sales tax to avoid bankruptcy.

The south of Bellevue development plan is a mess. Two years ago they started annexing everything so know the City is on the hook for infrastructure improvements and largely cannot rely on SID development. Now the are trying to extend infrastructure to essentially completely undeveloped land. Their major industrial area has flooded twice in 10 years and the water table is a couple of feet under the ground. Good look getting a major investment there. Now out of seemingly nowhere they through this water park at the residents and try to shove through a 1/2 sales tax that won't make or break the project anyways. And the NC3 project seems to have slowed down or dried up. The City is gonna be on the hook for some expensive infrastructure with minimal users. All the while Fort Crook and Olde Towne continue to be neglected and the Mayor shifts the blame onto anyone else he can. Said state for the 3rd largest City in Nebraska.

[omaha79]

I loved the messaging on that sales tax increase.

We're building a brand new amazing water park that will make the city tons of money! Also, could you approve an unrelated increase in sales tax for... umm... PARKS! But not that new water park, that will make money! But hey, if it doesn't, we could just use this handy park sales tax to avoid bankruptcy.

The south of Bellevue development plan is a mess. Two years ago they started annexing everything so know the City is on the hook for infrastructure improvements and largely cannot rely on SID development. Now the are trying to extend infrastructure to essentially completely undeveloped land. Their major industrial area has flooded twice in 10 years and the water table is a couple of feet under the ground. Good look getting a major investment there. Now out of seemingly nowhere they through this water park at the residents and try to shove through a 1/2 sales tax that won't make or break the project anyways. And the NC3 project seems to have slowed down or dried up. The City is gonna be on the hook for some expensive infrastructure with minimal users. All the while Fort Crook and Olde Towne continue to be neglected and the Mayor shifts the blame onto anyone else he can. Said state for the 3rd largest City in Nebraska.

I have little to no faith in Rusty Hike being able to deliver on any of his grandiose ideas and promises. But, he has a lot of money to keep buying his way into the mayors office, and the people of bellevue are either blind or don't care that he hasn't really accomplished anything of substance. So, they just keep voting him in. I don't get it. If this was any other municipality, he'd have been removed already. I can't think of a single thing he's actually delivered on.

[lpgforms]

Not a fan of Rusty Hike as the first campaign promise that he delivered on was removing the bike trail markings that connected Fort Crook Road to the Omaha 13th Street Trail. All because a bunch of locals were upset that 1 lane on each side of Fort Crook Road was now dedicated to cycling. Fort Crook Road has at least 3 lanes on each side and no longer had the traffic load before 75 was completed and the Southroads basically closed. But his highest priority was to scrape off the paint on this bike trail that was little used but did not hurt anybody.

This whole waterpark project was dropped on a meeting agenda the day before and I believed bypassed the normal approval process of three readings. (I may be wrong on this)

On the other hand he has rebuilt a few parks and built a new waterpark behind Leaonard Lawrence School.

In the meantime he moved the city hall to an office building and then tore down the old city hall with a promise of a major apartment and retail structure on Mission. That didn't happen and now its just a bug fenced off lot in Olde Town.

I have lived in Bellevue for 25 years and I am getting ready to get out. When this waterpark fails it will be the same as the failed softball field that ended up with the bonds being the responsibility of Bellevue taxpayers.

[skinzfan23]

Grow Sarpy report shows increase in building permits, single-family houses

I know not many are a fan of Rusty Hike, but according to this article, Bellevue might actually be making some progress:

Building permit valuations totaled $147,996,608, up from $137,258,775 in the first quarter of 2023, according to the report. Bellevue led the way with $54,384,621, up from $19,426,394 a year earlier. Papillion posted $44,960,556, down from $56,830,256, but still a strong number.

Gretna’s total of $27,006,682 was down from $51,638,351.

“There’s a lot going on,” Bellevue Mayor Rusty Hike said. “It looks like the waterpark and the NC3 building are going to come out of the ground at the same time.”

[SpecificPacific]

Grow Sarpy report shows increase in building permits, single-family houses

I know not many are a fan of Rusty Hike, but according to this article, Bellevue might actually be making some progress:

Building permit valuations totaled $147,996,608, up from $137,258,775 in the first quarter of 2023, according to the report. Bellevue led the way with $54,384,621, up from $19,426,394 a year earlier. Papillion posted $44,960,556, down from $56,830,256, but still a strong number.

Gretna’s total of $27,006,682 was down from $51,638,351.

“There’s a lot going on,” Bellevue Mayor Rusty Hike said. “It looks like the waterpark and the NC3 building are going to come out of the ground at the same time.”

I think the main issue is what has Rusty's administration actually followed through on?
Fort Crook - They updated the old plan and Rusty went on the news saying the City owned the right of way and would be able to develop it. Nothing has happened since
Olde Towne - Still an empty dirt lot in the middle of downtown and Rusty seems to like to put all the blame on the developers when things go array
NC3 - Seems like a lot of momentum on this project has died down and I haven't heard anything recently
Water Park - Just odd messaging and strategy to try to get the City on board with a 1/2 cent sales tax that is not necessarily tied to the project yet seems like it is.
Inland Port - The City designated an area that has been multiple feet underwater twice in a 10 year period as their inland port. Seems like a better property could have been designated
Major Employers - Have any major employers been added to the City since he has been in office?

It just seems like the whole strategy is to prematurely announce a project and then as that project is running into road blocks to jump onto something else. And then there is the whole question about enriching himself based off of some convenient public investments and real estate transactions.

[Garrett]

Grow Sarpy report shows increase in building permits, single-family houses

I know not many are a fan of Rusty Hike, but according to this article, Bellevue might actually be making some progress:

Building permit valuations totaled $147,996,608, up from $137,258,775 in the first quarter of 2023, according to the report. Bellevue led the way with $54,384,621, up from $19,426,394 a year earlier. Papillion posted $44,960,556, down from $56,830,256, but still a strong number.

Gretna’s total of $27,006,682 was down from $51,638,351.

“There’s a lot going on,” Bellevue Mayor Rusty Hike said. “It looks like the waterpark and the NC3 building are going to come out of the ground at the same time.”

I think the main issue is what has Rusty's administration actually followed through on?
Fort Crook - They updated the old plan and Rusty went on the news saying the City owned the right of way and would be able to develop it. Nothing has happened since
Olde Towne - Still an empty dirt lot in the middle of downtown and Rusty seems to like to put all the blame on the developers when things go array
NC3 - Seems like a lot of momentum on this project has died down and I haven't heard anything recently
Water Park - Just odd messaging and strategy to try to get the City on board with a 1/2 cent sales tax that is not necessarily tied to the project yet seems like it is.
Inland Port - The City designated an area that has been multiple feet underwater twice in a 10 year period as their inland port. Seems like a better property could have been designated
Major Employers - Have any major employers been added to the City since he has been in office?

It just seems like the whole strategy is to prematurely announce a project and then as that project is running into road blocks to jump onto something else. And then there is the whole question about enriching himself based off of some convenient public investments and real estate transactions.

Bellevue released a BRT study a few years ago too right?

[omaha79]

Grow Sarpy report shows increase in building permits, single-family houses

I know not many are a fan of Rusty Hike, but according to this article, Bellevue might actually be making some progress:

Building permit valuations totaled $147,996,608, up from $137,258,775 in the first quarter of 2023, according to the report. Bellevue led the way with $54,384,621, up from $19,426,394 a year earlier. Papillion posted $44,960,556, down from $56,830,256, but still a strong number.

Gretna’s total of $27,006,682 was down from $51,638,351.

“There’s a lot going on,” Bellevue Mayor Rusty Hike said. “It looks like the waterpark and the NC3 building are going to come out of the ground at the same time.”

I think the main issue is what has Rusty's administration actually followed through on?
Fort Crook - They updated the old plan and Rusty went on the news saying the City owned the right of way and would be able to develop it. Nothing has happened since
Olde Towne - Still an empty dirt lot in the middle of downtown and Rusty seems to like to put all the blame on the developers when things go array
NC3 - Seems like a lot of momentum on this project has died down and I haven't heard anything recently
Water Park - Just odd messaging and strategy to try to get the City on board with a 1/2 cent sales tax that is not necessarily tied to the project yet seems like it is.
Inland Port - The City designated an area that has been multiple feet underwater twice in a 10 year period as their inland port. Seems like a better property could have been designated
Major Employers - Have any major employers been added to the City since he has been in office?

It just seems like the whole strategy is to prematurely announce a project and then as that project is running into road blocks to jump onto something else. And then there is the whole question about enriching himself based off of some convenient public investments and real estate transactions.

You forgot to add the casino race track. Not that I want that outside of my back door, but it's another thing they have announced and not followed through on.

[skinzfan23]

Things still seem to be progressing:

Bellevue City Council paves way for work on waterpark project

The Bellevue City Council on May 21 authorized the purchase of aluminum for the facility’s enclosure and retractable roof from Canadian corporation OpenAire Sales at a cost of $2.37 million. Officials want to order materials now to beat inflation and avoid being held up by supply chain issues. They hope to have the attraction ready for visitors by summer 2026.

On May 21, the city awarded a contract for design and engineering services for the waterpark to Holland Basham at a cost of $3,486,600. Holland Basham, one of four bidders, was chosen based on price, capacity and experience, according to background materials.

The council decided to adopt the “construction manager at risk” contract delivery system for construction of the waterpark in order to make the process less time consuming and more cost efficient. The city has now published a Request for Proposals and is accepting bids on the construction management contract and aims to award the contract by mid-summer, according to Harrison Johnson, director of economic and community development. The city and the construction management firm will negotiate and set a Guaranteed Maximum Price before construction begins

The city has applied for state designation of the waterpark area as a Good Life District, which would allow the city to receive half of the sales tax revenue collected in the district, Johnson said. That revenue, too, would be diverted back to the city to help pay for the amenities.

“Right now, the city has an active application in with the state,” he said. “We hope to have an answer in June or July.”

[GenX]

Things still seem to be progressing:

Bellevue City Council paves way for work on waterpark project

The council decided to adopt the “construction manager at risk” contract delivery system for construction of the waterpark in order to make the process less time consuming and more cost efficient. The city has now published a Request for Proposals and is accepting bids on the construction management contract and aims to award the contract by mid-summer, according to Harrison Johnson, director of economic and community development. The city and the construction management firm will negotiate and set a Guaranteed Maximum Price before construction begins

Harrison’s Brother Howard was once a hotel owner

[skinzfan23]

The waterpark name has been released: Bellevue Bay

City of Bellevue and American Resort Management are Thrilled to Announce Bellevue Bay Indoor Waterpark

Bellevue Bay Indoor Waterpark is a projected $60 million facility at the Interchange of Highway 34 and Highway 75 in southwest Bellevue. The city has purchased the property and has been working closely with design teams to create a modern, family friendly, resort style development at this site, where the waterpark serves as a regionally unique anchor project. Site work is expected to begin on this project by the end of the year with the build-out expected to take 18 to 24 months.

They now also have a website as well:

https://www.americanresortmanagement.com/bellevuebay

[skinzfan23]

Here are the renderings they provided:





Not sure what the blue section is in the lower right...maybe the wave pool? Unless that is going to be outside, like the one in TX.

[Garrett]

Here are the renderings they provided:





Not sure what the blue section is in the lower right...maybe the wave pool? Unless that is going to be outside, like the one in TX.

Looks like it’s still in the structure. Perhaps just a general swimming pool without fancy trappings?

[nebugeater]

I just hope it doesn't turn into BELLEvue FLOP

[skinzfan23]

I just hope it doesn't turn into BELLEvue FLOP

I hope not either, but I am 100% convinced the Omaha area can support this and make it sustainable if they have better management than CoCo Key had. It was a nice place but never kept up with staffing and cleanliness.

Especially in the colder months, this will be a huge draw for something to do. If managed correctly, this will succeed. I think people under-estimate how much families spend on entertainment (even if they don't have the means to) Get a few kids with their constant whining to go to a place like this and it will happen

[Coyote]

Bellevue officials unveil name of new indoor water park set to open in 2026



BELLEVUE, Neb. — Bellevue officials unveiled Thursday the name of the new indoor waterpark destination. Bellevue Bay Indoor Waterpark is a planned 100,000-square-foot, year-round indoor water park with a retractable roof. In February, Mayor Rusty Hike told KETV that it'll be modeled after a Dallas, Texas, park: the fourth-largest indoor park in the nation. The park, which will also include three hotels, will be built northwest of the Highway 34 and Highway 75 interchange. It's expected to open in 2026.

[Coyote]

City Announces Name of New Waterpark

The City of Bellevue, NE in partnership with American Resort Management, LLC (ARM), are pleased to announce that Bellevue Bay Indoor Waterpark has been chosen as the name for Bellevue’s upcoming indoor waterpark destination. This massive 100,000 square foot year-round indoor water park, with a retractable roof, will become a major family-friendly attraction, drawing visitors from all throughout the Midwest and across the country to our community where they will experience a thrilling aquatic adventure and enjoy some Midwest hospitality.

Bellevue Mayor Rusty Hike is excited about the naming of this facility, “We expect thousands of visitors from all over the Midwest to visit Bellevue Bay Indoor Waterpark every year and this name lets them know exactly where it is and what it is. It is important and we are proud to have our city’s name attached to a project of this magnitude. Visitors will go back home and tell their friends how much fun they had at “Bellevue Bay Indoor Waterpark”!

Modeled after another American Resort Management project, Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark in Grand Prairie, Texas, the waterpark is expected to feature a range of attractions, including thrilling water slides, a lazy river, wave pools, and interactive play areas. Additionally, amenities such as food and beverage outlets, retail shops, attached hotels and event spaces will complement the indoor waterpark experience, offering visitors a comprehensive entertainment destination.