Bellevue Bay Indoor Waterpark (Highway 34 and 75)

[Dusty]

They mentioned if they develop the surface lot next to the building, it will become the largest indoor center. I'm curious on what that would look like. Would it be 2 separate buildings that are connected or one massive building? What other features would they bring with the expansion? Makes you WONDER if Matell is pushing the agenda now. Yes...pun intended. lol.

Is Matell scrapping the arcade portion of the water park? I can see them do a gift shop instead to sell the toys.

[skinzfan23]

Construction has gone vertical:

[thenewguy]

exciting! I didn't think this was actually going to happen, i'm really glad it is

[skinzfan23]

This is as of Saturday, gives you an idea of the width:

[thenewguy]

can't wait to see it come together. This is one of the more exciting developments we have going, my kids are gonna love it

[skinzfan23]

Couple more updates from City of Bellevue Facebook this morning (I went that way this morning and was wondering if they were going to start on the roof because I saw the crane there)

[Stan]

It'd be fascinating to learn the construction phases going on and why they're putting up the outside with so much interior work required to move dirt and install piping and pumps.

[skinzfan23]

It'd be fascinating to learn the construction phases going on and why they're putting up the outside with so much interior work required to move dirt and install piping and pumps.

Here are some construction photos from their build in TX. Gives you an idea of what to expect.

https://openaire.com/project/epic-water ... waterpark/

[skinzfan23]

One from this morning:

[Stan]

Thank you for the link to the other location updates. Looking back and recalling that only Bellevue residents will get discounted tickets. That's going to be a hard pill to swallow for a random day taking my kids there if rates are similar to the Texas location.

[skinzfan23]

Thank you for the link to the other location updates. Looking back and recalling that only Bellevue residents will get discounted tickets. That's going to be a hard pill to swallow for a random day taking my kids there if rates are similar to the Texas location.

I don't think the prices are out of line with Great Wolf Lodge or any other major entertainment site. I've seen people online complaining that it prob won't be $10 to get in. (that should be a no-brainer) Look at the current prices for Fun-Plex. they are $43. I've mentioned this before but the one in TX also has special days where there are deals. For them, Thursday night is $99 for 6 people.

[Stan]

Thank you for the link to the other location updates. Looking back and recalling that only Bellevue residents will get discounted tickets. That's going to be a hard pill to swallow for a random day taking my kids there if rates are similar to the Texas location.

I don't think the prices are out of line with Great Wolf Lodge or any other major entertainment site. I've seen people online complaining that it prob won't be $10 to get in. (that should be a no-brainer) Look at the current prices for Fun-Plex. they are $43. I've mentioned this before but the one in TX also has special days where there are deals. For them, Thursday night is $99 for 6 people.

It totally makes sense to charge a reasonable rate and I was happy they keep it at a certain capacity. I doubt Great Wolf Lodge does the same as we were there last year and it was like swimming in people soup.

[skinzfan23]

These are from March 24, they now have about five more sections completed since these pictures were taken:

[skinzfan23]

Quick update from yesterday:

[buildomaha]

Quite the foil to the crossroads turtle paced construction.

[skinzfan23]

Quite the foil to the crossroads turtle paced construction.

Yes, it is, but this is just aluminum that they are piecing together at this point. It does appear that they are also pouring parking lots next to the water park as well.

Actually, I forgot they did have the "basement" to pour and set up for the pumps and filters too, so they have done quite a bit in a short amt of time in 2026 that they started actual construction.

[WiinterU]

It seems like they've almost completed the steel supports. If this has the same amount as the one in Grand Prairie, Texas, it should be there soon.

[thenewguy]

I'm really glad this is actually panning out

[djc311]

I'm really glad this is actually panning out

Maybe Crossroads and the old Civic Site should simply have large indoor water parks with retractable roofs.

If someone told me 10-15 years ago there will be 3 projects going in at these 3 locations and I needed to choose the order in which they'd be finished, Bellevue's waterpark would have been dead last.

[skinzfan23]

They put up 6 more supports on Friday. You can tell where the slide tower part will go. I will get a picture this week.

[skinzfan23]

[almighty_tuna]

Coming right along! I can't imagine how much plumbing work is on the punch list.

[thenewguy]

i seriously can't believe it is happening. A) it looks huge B) it is gonna be bitchin. having something like that for year-round use is super exciting

[skinzfan23]

i seriously can't believe it is happening. A) it looks huge B) it is gonna be bitchin. having something like that for year-round use is super exciting

I agree on all those. I always said that the Omaha metro needed something like this or a large outdoor waterpark. There are over 1 million people in the metro and we also have easy access from I-29 and I-80. At this point, I figured we are never getting an amusement park, so this is the next best thing. As I have stated so many times before, if they manage it well and pay the employees to care, it can be very successful. (CoCo Keys was hardly managed at all) and this should be nearly double the size of Coco Keys.

I am impressed with the quickness of the construction so far. They have also poured at least 2 parking lots as well. Going back to the last messages from the mayor, the hotels should start construction sometime around August-Sept. I think it will look even more impressive once the glass and the slides start going in. At the rate they are going, I wouldn't be surprised if that is by the end of summer.

Its hard to see, but they have at least 3-4 more of the overhead supports already assembled and ready to install. They are in the last picture on the ground in front of the existing structure.

[skinzfan23]

WhiteWater Named Exclusive Vendor for Bellevue’s Mattel-Themed Waterpark

Sounds like the development is moving right along and hopefully we will hear some other announcements by the end of summer or in the fall. Also the land sales for the hotels should be finalized by later in May.

Recently, Vancouver-based water attraction manufacturer WhiteWater announced it has been selected as the exclusive global water attraction vendor for all future Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterparks being developed by American Resort Management.

The company will provide water slides, wave pools, aquatic play structures, and other attractions for the planned parks, including the Bellevue Bay project, which city officials say will be the first Mattel-branded location to open.

Harrison Johnson said the announcement is an important step forward for the project. “This is great news because it shows how much the Mattel brand is investing in their location-based entertainment, which Bellevue will be the first one to open at least a year and a half before all others,” Johnson said.

The Bellevue entertainment district surrounding the waterpark project also continues to attract development interest. Johnson said the city is aiming to finalize land sales for the district’s planned hotels later this month.

Johnson added that interest in the broader entertainment district has accelerated since construction activity began. “We’ve seen a significant amount of interest since construction has started, and we are hoping to make a big announcement on that end by the end of summer or sometime in the fall,” he said.

[skinzfan23]

Just did some research on WhiteWater and they are one of the premier vendors for waterparks in the world. They designed Perfect Day at Coco Cay (Royal Caribbean's private island waterpark) as well as the new addition to Mt. Olympus Waterpark in the Wisconsin Dells. I am happy that they are getting these proven/big companies to develop the park in Bellevue. Hopefully that will give it a better chance to succeed.

In the most recent news, at next Tuesday's city council meeting they are voting to approve the sale of land to develop the hotels north of the waterpark. It is nearly 7 acres for $608,000. According to the purchase agreement, Wonder Lodging LLC would need to secure a building permit by 4/20/2027.

[thenewguy]

There are folks from Bellevue complaining online about the waterpark, stating they 'didn't vote for this' and what not. Some people were asking if it'd be affordable for low-to-middle income families, some were complaining about NIMBY... i can't understand why people wouldn't want this to go in, since they are often the same people that complain there is nothing to do here. Some people whine for the sake of whining

[skinzfan23]

There are folks from Bellevue complaining online about the waterpark, stating they 'didn't vote for this' and what not. Some people were asking if it'd be affordable for low-to-middle income families, some were complaining about NIMBY... i can't understand why people wouldn't want this to go in, since they are often the same people that complain there is nothing to do here. Some people whine for the sake of whining

Absolutely. Since I live so close to the Bellevue Bay, I have heard it all. People complaining that they didn't vote for it, complaining the mayor is making a ton of money from it, complaining about traffic, complaining that its too close to our houses. But the good news is, there are a ton of people in favor of it as well. There are a lot of people that are looking forward to it, b/c as you mentioned, some people think there isn't anything to do. There are quite a few military families in our area that are really looking forward to it.

As for the traffic, I am still not 100% sure how everything is going to play out, but with the South Sarpy Expressway getting built, they are eventually going to close the access that is there to the neighborhood right now, so traffic may not even be an issue for the neighborhood at all. Of course Hwy 75 and 34 are going to be busy, but as I have mentioned to so many people, it will be similar to GWL, its not like a concert or sporting event where everyone shows up and leaves all at the same time. People will be coming and going at different times for the most part. I am sure for the first year or so, it will be crazy and probably on the weekends after that, but we go to GWL in KC during the week and traffic has never been a problem. It is no different than any other hotel that I have stayed at.

The main part I don't want is the casino, which would still need to get approval that the city doesn't have from the state.

[Hawkeye]

There are folks from Bellevue complaining online about the waterpark, stating they 'didn't vote for this' and what not. Some people were asking if it'd be affordable for low-to-middle income families, some were complaining about NIMBY... i can't understand why people wouldn't want this to go in, since they are often the same people that complain there is nothing to do here. Some people whine for the sake of whining

Absolutely. Since I live so close to the Bellevue Bay, I have heard it all. People complaining that they didn't vote for it, complaining the mayor is making a ton of money from it, complaining about traffic, complaining that its too close to our houses. But the good news is, there are a ton of people in favor of it as well. There are a lot of people that are looking forward to it, b/c as you mentioned, some people think there isn't anything to do. There are quite a few military families in our area that are really looking forward to it.

As for the traffic, I am still not 100% sure how everything is going to play out, but with the South Sarpy Expressway getting built, they are eventually going to close the access that is there to the neighborhood right now, so traffic may not even be an issue for the neighborhood at all. Of course Hwy 75 and 34 are going to be busy, but as I have mentioned to so many people, it will be similar to GWL, its not like a concert or sporting event where everyone shows up and leaves all at the same time. People will be coming and going at different times for the most part. I am sure for the first year or so, it will be crazy and probably on the weekends after that, but we go to GWL in KC during the week and traffic has never been a problem. It is no different than any other hotel that I have stayed at.

The main part I don't want is the casino, which would still need to get approval that the city doesn't have from the state.

People: "There's nothing to do around here! Why don't we have an amusement park or water park like other big cities?!"
Also those people (when park is planned for their neighborhood): "Wait! I didn't mean build it by ME!"

[NEDodger]

Agree on traffic probably not being an issue, given the constant flow of people arriving and leaving.

For comparison, I’d look at the zoo. Now, the zoo is likely to have way more people on a daily basis than the waterpark. But I wouldn’t consider 10th/13th street themselves to have overwhelming, backed up traffic? Granted, some of this is siphoned off by the interstate but it’s not like the 13th street off-ramp gets backed up to 23rd street….

[skinzfan23]

Agree on traffic probably not being an issue, given the constant flow of people arriving and leaving.

For comparison, I’d look at the zoo. Now, the zoo is likely to have way more people on a daily basis than the waterpark. But I wouldn’t consider 10th/13th street themselves to have overwhelming, backed up traffic? Granted, some of this is siphoned off by the interstate but it’s not like the 13th street off-ramp gets backed up to 23rd street….

That is a good example. I will start using that when people freak out. The zoo averages around 1.75-2 million visitors each year and the waterpark is expected to average 400,000. Granted the water park (at least basing off of Epic Waters' hours in TX) won't be open as many days as the zoo, but the zoo generates 3-5x more visitors at least and it is fine. Sure the weekends are busier, but nothing that significantly backs up traffic.

[skinzfan23]

Couple of quick updates, this should be the total length of the enclosed building. I am assuming they will be putting the arched segments in this week for the remaining portion.

[thenewguy]

that's pretty daggone big. In your 2nd pic, the trees in the background kind of give you a sense of what it'd look like with the palm trees inside of it once it's all enclosed. This is gonna be so huge for the area, I think a lot of people underestimate it.

[remline]

A nice, dramatic sky, too! Thanks for the pic.

[omaha79]

Agree on traffic probably not being an issue, given the constant flow of people arriving and leaving.

For comparison, I’d look at the zoo. Now, the zoo is likely to have way more people on a daily basis than the waterpark. But I wouldn’t consider 10th/13th street themselves to have overwhelming, backed up traffic? Granted, some of this is siphoned off by the interstate but it’s not like the 13th street off-ramp gets backed up to 23rd street….

That is a good example. I will start using that when people freak out. The zoo averages around 1.75-2 million visitors each year and the waterpark is expected to average 400,000. Granted the water park (at least basing off of Epic Waters' hours in TX) won't be open as many days as the zoo, but the zoo generates 3-5x more visitors at least and it is fine. Sure the weekends are busier, but nothing that significantly backs up traffic.

We live in the same part of Bellevue. I'm supportive of the Water Park. I think there are some valid concerns as to whether it will generate enough revenue to not have to rely on additional tax subsidies to make a go of it. If it cannot stand on its own and the city has to come back to the citizens to ask for a property or sales tax subsidy, then I firmly believe any and all criticism of the Hike administration and the City Council are beyond valid. Because, as I just said in another thread, the consultants will always find a way to sell these things as a win for municipalities. I've generally understood they get paid more if the project gets built vs. if it doesn't. And, then the city government gets stars in their eyes. But, the reality of projects that bedroom communities have taken on over time like this including Ralston Arena, Pennant Place in Papillion, etc.are way more of a mixed bag and the reality is that the city often is coming back to the citizens for a property tax or sales tax subsidy to keep their pet project afloat.

I think it can work, but marketing will be key. The only real competition is Fun Plex and this can be year around. They'll need summer vs. year around passes vs. winter only passes.

I'm firmly against the casino and race track. This will create massive issues that Bellevue isn't prepared for.

And, while I think the comparison to the zoo is valid, I'll play devils advocate that while the zoo has quite a few roads leading to that area from every direction, the transportation infrastructure in that part of Bellevue, is beyond limited. You still have dirt roads running north/south to the West. There are almost no options to get North South from the East besides Kennedy. Ft. Crook bridge is a mess and likely will be closed in both directions before long. The base limits road construction as well. the Hwy 34 and Kennedy exchange absolutely must have traffic lights, but i've heard nothing about that becoming reality.

[skinzfan23]

From what I understand the traffic lights at the Hwy 34/Hwy 75 intersections are a done deal, but like you, I haven't heard any concrete plans for when this is going to happen. At this point, the waterpark is scheduled to open by spring, but more likely summer 2027, so they better get working on it quickly. I don't think I have posted it but they are currently grading to start the South Sarpy Expressway, so that may help with traffic from the west, but Platteview Rd west of 36th is still not designed to carry much traffic.

[omaha79]

From what I understand the traffic lights at the Hwy 34/Hwy 75 intersections are a done deal, but like you, I haven't heard any concrete plans for when this is going to happen. At this point, the waterpark is scheduled to open by spring, but more likely summer 2027, so they better get working on it quickly. I don't think I have posted it but they are currently grading to start the South Sarpy Expressway, so that may help with traffic from the west, but Platteview Rd west of 36th is still not designed to carry much traffic.

Yes. I'd heard that too and the traffic lights on 34 are vital. The South Sarpy Expressway is also vital, but that's years out. I'll be pushing 60 by the time it's fully complete. The biggest concern is that when you get that far south, there simply isn't much north/south access. Like you said, 36th is basically a paved residential style street. 25th curves around. Then, there is nothing that cuts all the way through to 84th. 72nd is dirt a fair amount of the way. 60th doesn't cut through. Your only semi functional roads to the East of Kennedy from civilization to Hwy 34 are Fort Crook with has a rotting bridge north of Fairview and Harlan Lewis, which no one besides locals would use because it takes you into olde towne.

So, let's say you want to go to the waterpark. Let's say they've got another giant bridge project on Kennedy that they've seemingly been working on for 5 years straight. and, a semi jackknifes on the restricted lanes as well. How do you even get to Bellevue Bay in the current state?

[djc311]

From what I understand the traffic lights at the Hwy 34/Hwy 75 intersections are a done deal, but like you, I haven't heard any concrete plans for when this is going to happen. At this point, the waterpark is scheduled to open by spring, but more likely summer 2027, so they better get working on it quickly. I don't think I have posted it but they are currently grading to start the South Sarpy Expressway, so that may help with traffic from the west, but Platteview Rd west of 36th is still not designed to carry much traffic.

Yes. I'd heard that too and the traffic lights on 34 are vital. The South Sarpy Expressway is also vital, but that's years out. I'll be pushing 60 by the time it's fully complete. The biggest concern is that when you get that far south, there simply isn't much north/south access. Like you said, 36th is basically a paved residential style street. 25th curves around. Then, there is nothing that cuts all the way through to 84th. 72nd is dirt a fair amount of the way. 60th doesn't cut through. Your only semi functional roads to the East of Kennedy from civilization to Hwy 34 are Fort Crook with has a rotting bridge north of Fairview and Harlan Lewis, which no one besides locals would use because it takes you into olde towne.

So, let's say you want to go to the waterpark. Let's say they've got another giant bridge project on Kennedy that they've seemingly been working on for 5 years straight. and, a semi jackknifes on the restricted lanes as well. How do you even get to Bellevue Bay in the current state?

Personal drones will be able to scoop you up and air drop you over the water park... just make sure you have a parachute or a flotation device attached.

[GenX]

From what I understand the traffic lights at the Hwy 34/Hwy 75 intersections are a done deal, but like you, I haven't heard any concrete plans for when this is going to happen. At this point, the waterpark is scheduled to open by spring, but more likely summer 2027, so they better get working on it quickly. I don't think I have posted it but they are currently grading to start the South Sarpy Expressway, so that may help with traffic from the west, but Platteview Rd west of 36th is still not designed to carry much traffic.

Yes. I'd heard that too and the traffic lights on 34 are vital. The South Sarpy Expressway is also vital, but that's years out. I'll be pushing 60 by the time it's fully complete. The biggest concern is that when you get that far south, there simply isn't much north/south access. Like you said, 36th is basically a paved residential style street. 25th curves around. Then, there is nothing that cuts all the way through to 84th. 72nd is dirt a fair amount of the way. 60th doesn't cut through. Your only semi functional roads to the East of Kennedy from civilization to Hwy 34 are Fort Crook with has a rotting bridge north of Fairview and Harlan Lewis, which no one besides locals would use because it takes you into olde towne.

So, let's say you want to go to the waterpark. Let's say they've got another giant bridge project on Kennedy that they've seemingly been working on for 5 years straight. and, a semi jackknifes on the restricted lanes as well. How do you even get to Bellevue Bay in the current state?

I had this happen yesterday. 75 SB was backed up between Cornhusker & 370, s I took Fort Crook hoping to get to Fairview and further south to Plattsmouth. Well, Fort Crook is closed at Capehart and the Capehart exit to SB 75 was closed, so I had to take 25th down to Fairview.

[skinzfan23]

Yes, right now it is a mess. Don't expect Fort Crook to be open any time soon. Timeline is prob 3-5 years out and it has already been closed for 1-2 years. Work on 75 is going to shift to northbound this fall and they stated that Capehart entrance to 75 southbound would be open in time for the air show in early Aug.