Bellevue Bay Indoor Waterpark (Highway 34 and 75)

[S.O.Boy]

Bellevue Bay Indoor Waterpark (Highway 34 and 75)

[Linkin5]

Holy sh!t they are swinging for the fences. Would certainly make up for the loss of Coco Keys.

[Garrett]

Tbh at this point I’m expecting Bellevue to announce a 2,000 ft tower tomorrow

[skinzfan23]

That is a huge water park. For comparison great wolf lodge in kc is only 38,000 sq ft.

They are voting on the bonds tonight at Bellevue city council.

I am torn on the water park. I have been saying that Omaha needs something like this for years, but it is literally about 1/2 mile from my house.

[skinzfan23]

Tbh at this point I’m expecting Bellevue to announce a 2,000 ft tower tomorrow

Yeah Bellevue doesn’t exactly have a strong track record on getting projects built.

[skinzfan23]

Maybe the water park should get branched out into its own thread.

The city council unanimously passed the $60 Million bond at tonight’s meeting. KETV just stated that the water park construction will start this summer and be complete in summer 2026.

[Stargazer]

Tbh at this point I’m expecting Bellevue to announce a 2,000 ft tower tomorrow

It's about time..

[Garrett]

I am now seeing that the thumbnail in the KETV video is indeed just the Epic Waters park in Dallas, not a rendering of the expected park.

Also it’s kinda bullshit that this is technically being funded by state taxes with the Good Life district program and is only being discounted for Bellevue residents

[Coyote]

'I wish the city the best': Bellevue City Council approves $60 million indoor water park, despite public's concerns



BELLEVUE, Neb. — A 100,000-square-foot water park is coming to Bellevue. City council members unanimously approved a multi-million-dollar bond Tuesday night. Bellevue Mayor Rusty Hike described the newly approved water park as a catalyst of growth for the city of Bellevue, but some citizens voiced concerns about adding to the city's debt and rushing to vote on the project.

[omaha79]

Does anyone actually know where on 34/75 this is going? Everything seems so convoluted when Bellevue announces it. I don't see a map that actually shows the parcel marked off? I assumed Northeast side, but now I'm hearing the Northwest

[SpecificPacific]

Little bit confused on the Good Life District designation. The investment of the project would need to be more than $500 million dollars, create 250 new jobs, generate 600,000 out of state visitors. This project seems like it will be severely lacking those metrics. Also, what sales tax is this district going to accrue to pay for the development? The last thing I want to do is go shopping after swimming all day, and they are definitely not going to compete for market share or tenants with the Gretna Outlets.

Seems a little like shoot firm aim from the City Administration again.

https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/progra ... jects-act/

[Brad]

Does anyone actually know where on 34/75 this is going? Everything seems so convoluted when Bellevue announces it. I don't see a map that actually shows the parcel marked off? I assumed Northeast side, but now I'm hearing the Northwest

Bellevue owns this piece:

Bellevue.JPG

[omaha79]

Does anyone actually know where on 34/75 this is going? Everything seems so convoluted when Bellevue announces it. I don't see a map that actually shows the parcel marked off? I assumed Northeast side, but now I'm hearing the Northwest

Bellevue owns this piece:

Bellevue.JPG

See, that's what I thought. But now someone is telling me it's going on the other side, but I don't think Bellevue owns that.

[skinzfan23]

The stories and the views they showed are for the parcel on the Northwest side of the interchange. There is a for sale sign there now. From what I understand is the mayor owns the land.

I actually looked at the Epic Waterpark in the Dallas area that they are modeling it after and it could definitely fit on the site.

This is only about a mile from our house, so I am worried and curious on how they plan to handle the extra traffic. They would need to install traffic lights off the highway b/c as it is it gets pretty backed up since Hwy 34 connects now and a lot of people use it to get to IA.

Here is the complex in Dallas.

[SpecificPacific]

Does anyone actually know where on 34/75 this is going? Everything seems so convoluted when Bellevue announces it. I don't see a map that actually shows the parcel marked off? I assumed Northeast side, but now I'm hearing the Northwest

Bellevue owns this piece:

Bellevue.JPG

See, that's what I thought. But now someone is telling me it's going on the other side, but I don't think Bellevue owns that.

It is targeted to be on the northwest portion of the intersection. The northeast property that the City currently owns is for the NC3 office development

[Brad]

The stories and the views they showed are for the parcel on the Northwest side of the interchange. There is a for sale sign there now. From what I understand is the mayor owns the land.

The north west side is all owned by "DENNIS L ESCH"

Bellevue2.JPG

[skinzfan23]

Thanks for clarifying Brad....I didn't actually look up the assessor info and thats what I get for listening to people in my neighborhood. Gossip is crazy sometimes....like the game of telephone. I thought that would be a little strange if the mayor owned the land and then gets city bonds passed to purchase the land he owns.

[omaha79]

Thanks for clarifying Brad....I didn't actually look up the assessor info and thats what I get for listening to people in my neighborhood. Gossip is crazy sometimes....like the game of telephone. I thought that would be a little strange if the mayor owned the land and then gets city bonds passed to purchase the land he owns.

So, then, when the mayor told me that he sees the casino going on 34 and 75, not Fairview, I'm now wondering if he means on that land as well instead of the Northeast? I'm sure those on the South end of Hyda Hills will like having the water park along with a casino and race track all in that area. hmmmm.

[skinzfan23]

On a side note, can we get these two projects separated now? At first I didn't think there was much traction with the waterpark just renderings, but now it is clear that both of these are completely separate projects.

[skinzfan23]

Thanks for clarifying Brad....I didn't actually look up the assessor info and thats what I get for listening to people in my neighborhood. Gossip is crazy sometimes....like the game of telephone. I thought that would be a little strange if the mayor owned the land and then gets city bonds passed to purchase the land he owns.

So, then, when the mayor told me that he sees the casino going on 34 and 75, not Fairview, I'm now wondering if he means on that land as well instead of the Northeast? I'm sure those on the South end of Hyda Hills will like having the water park along with a casino and race track all in that area. hmmmm.

I still have major doubts on the casino anyway. There are just too many hurdles for it to clear to work out and the state and gaming commission still have to approve all of it.

As for the waterpark and hotels, I can tell most in my neighborhood (Hyda Hills) are not excited. They are all stating that they moved down here to have quiet....which I understand but I also laugh at b/c if you wanted that so much you would go get some space in the country far from the city. To anyone who ever lives on the edge of the city limits, you have to understand that cities grow and eventually development is probably going to come. To think otherwise is being ignorant.

For the record, there are quite a few that are excited for the waterpark to have something else to do and more jobs for teenagers and such.

[skinzfan23]

I did some research and also looked up the prices the park in TX is charging and its a little high. A regular day was $44 for an adult, but they offer several special promotion days. On Mondays for instance the first person was $20 and a second is only $10. Then on Thursdays you can get 6 people in for $99. I would assume the park here would be similar but maybe a little more affordable. They also offer an arcade and birthday parties.

With prices like those I could see it being successful.

I also saw that back in 2017 when it opened there were projecting around 500,000 annual visitors. So with the Bellevue mayor stating that they are going to get 2,000 per day...I think that number is inflated. I am pretty sure that Dallas would be a much larger draw.

[MrsSpr0ut]

As someone who was part of the launch team for CoCo Key when it opened back in the day, all this waterpark talk gives me hives. Fingers crossed for them.

[CBJason]

I think this is great. Finally, an option like this for when we are back visiting anytime of year! However, when comparing Epic to Great Wolf, it’s 3 times the size and yet I don’t think they have that many more attractions, maybe a couple more slides, so I’m confused as to the massive size difference. Also, the kids play area seems to be pretty lame compared to Great Wolf.

[omaha79]

Thanks for clarifying Brad....I didn't actually look up the assessor info and thats what I get for listening to people in my neighborhood. Gossip is crazy sometimes....like the game of telephone. I thought that would be a little strange if the mayor owned the land and then gets city bonds passed to purchase the land he owns.

So, then, when the mayor told me that he sees the casino going on 34 and 75, not Fairview, I'm now wondering if he means on that land as well instead of the Northeast? I'm sure those on the South end of Hyda Hills will like having the water park along with a casino and race track all in that area. hmmmm.

I still have major doubts on the casino anyway. There are just too many hurdles for it to clear to work out and the state and gaming commission still have to approve all of it.

As for the waterpark and hotels, I can tell most in my neighborhood (Hyda Hills) are not excited. They are all stating that they moved down here to have quiet....which I understand but I also laugh at b/c if you wanted that so much you would go get some space in the country far from the city. To anyone who ever lives on the edge of the city limits, you have to understand that cities grow and eventually development is probably going to come. To think otherwise is being ignorant.

For the record, there are quite a few that are excited for the waterpark to have something else to do and more jobs for teenagers and such.

I agree on the casino. So many hurdles and I don't know if the gaming commission will ever approve it. But, if it does, I do have concerns on the drunk driving, etc. And, you have to be smart on that. Plopping that kind of development right into a more residential area is a tough sell.

The corner of 34/75 is a good half to 3/4 mile south of the bulk of the Hyda Hills neighborhood. Yes, the south end of that development will have some impact. They will have to work on roads, but I don't think the water park, much of which is indoor and the outdoor component will only be used a few months of out the year. That can't create too much noise unless they are having concerts at night outside.

And yes, if you buy in a neighborhood on the edge of town, you never know what will go in. I will never consider living in a Celebrity Homes Neighborhood to be "the quiet life". You need an acerage for that.

I live in the area near the Kum and Go on Fairview behind the gas station. i don't own the land behind my house. It's been for sale for years. One day, I will probably have a strip mall in my back yard and I can't control that. It is what it is. Just enjoying the view I have now.

[ita]

The stories and the views they showed are for the parcel on the Northwest side of the interchange. There is a for sale sign there now. From what I understand is the mayor owns the land.

The north west side is all owned by "DENNIS L ESCH"

Bellevue2.JPG

The property contemplated for this project is not currently owned by the City.

https://www.ketv.com/article/bellevue-r ... k/46666569

That bond will cover the purchase of the land and construction of the Bellevue City Water Park.

[Garrett]

I did some research and also looked up the prices the park in TX is charging and its a little high. A regular day was $44 for an adult, but they offer several special promotion days. On Mondays for instance the first person was $20 and a second is only $10. Then on Thursdays you can get 6 people in for $99. I would assume the park here would be similar but maybe a little more affordable. They also offer an arcade and birthday parties.

With prices like those I could see it being successful.

I also saw that back in 2017 when it opened there were projecting around 500,000 annual visitors. So with the Bellevue mayor stating that they are going to get 2,000 per day...I think that number is inflated. I am pretty sure that Dallas would be a much larger draw.

Epic Waters also cost $88 million to build 80,000 sqft with a 2018 occupancy date. $60 million for 100,000 sqft post inflation seems like a very unlikely outcome, especially if we’re hoping for high quality.

[thenewguy]

Also it’s kinda bullshit that this is technically being funded by state taxes with the Good Life district program and is only being discounted for Bellevue residents

agreed, even though I don't live over there.

[nebugeater]

Is this really the best location to build something like this?

[skinzfan23]

Is this really the best location to build something like this?

Probably not, I would think the area between Omaha and Lincoln right on I-80 would be better. Although, if they ever complete the Platteview Rd rebuild into the 4 lane highway they are anticipating, there is actually pretty good access to IA via Hwy 34, Omaha and CB to the north with Hwy 75 and Lincoln and other areas to the west with Platteview Rd going all the way to I-80 someday as a highway.

[djc311]

This reminds me of when I had my chocolate shop and a guy approached me at the time saying he was working on building a big indoor waterpark in Bellevue with a hotel attached. He wanted me to put a small chocolate store inside. I believe at the time there was some structure up (cinder block exterior walls perhaps?)... obviously that never came to fruition, but it was probably along the same route. Not sure if the same guy is involved again in this one or not.

TBH with all of the Gretna development wouldn't this be better suited for I80? I'm not sure what other attractions would really materialize in Bellevue.

From a financial standpoint I'd like to know how the math can workout as has been mentioned. How do you build 20,000 more square footage at a later date for less cost than a smaller place years before? Even if materials have leveled off labor is definitely not any less. Doesn't seem feasible at all.

I'm shocked Bellevue puts the cart in front of the horse as often as they do... but maybe that's part of the plan. I mean they do also want a horse track and casino so maybe the carts will come after the horse track?

[SpecificPacific]

Is this really the best location to build something like this?

The best part is the City has not even committed to a specific property. They are selling this as being open for Summer 2026, but no land is purchased and no site has been developed.

Also the Grand Prairie TX park is in the middle of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metro, meanwhile this is aiming to go off on the edge of the metro. And while this is indoor, who warm is it actually going to be in the depth of winter?

[skinzfan23]

I live in the area near the Kum and Go on Fairview behind the gas station. i don't own the land behind my house. It's been for sale for years. One day, I will probably have a strip mall in my back yard and I can't control that. It is what it is. Just enjoying the view I have now.

I didn't realize that the land behind the gas station is still vacant. Been a little while since I was back there. Wonder if they will ever get another Subway or sandwich shop on the side of the gas station. We have lived down here since 2013 and I don't think it has been open since then.

[skinzfan23]

Is this really the best location to build something like this?

The best part is the City has not even committed to a specific property. They are selling this as being open for Summer 2026, but no land is purchased and no site has been developed.

Also the Grand Prairie TX park is in the middle of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metro, meanwhile this is aiming to go off on the edge of the metro. And while this is indoor, who warm is it actually going to be in the depth of winter?

Yes, the whole thing seems really rushed. However, as I mentioned, they did send out a brochure to Bellevue residents about 1-2 years ago asking for input and to answer a survey. So it has been in the works for quite some time, but I still think its ill-advised to rush so quickly to make a final decision on the bonds.

As for the waterpark, it would be like any other indoor water park, usually around 84-86 degrees.

Even though CoCo key went really downhill in the last few years, we went there once when it was 5 below outside and it was still warm inside. They did temporarily close one of the slides because it was icing up though.

[ita]

I did some research and also looked up the prices the park in TX is charging and its a little high. A regular day was $44 for an adult, but they offer several special promotion days. On Mondays for instance the first person was $20 and a second is only $10. Then on Thursdays you can get 6 people in for $99. I would assume the park here would be similar but maybe a little more affordable. They also offer an arcade and birthday parties.

With prices like those I could see it being successful.

I also saw that back in 2017 when it opened there were projecting around 500,000 annual visitors. So with the Bellevue mayor stating that they are going to get 2,000 per day...I think that number is inflated. I am pretty sure that Dallas would be a much larger draw.

Epic Waters also cost $88 million to build 80,000 sqft with a 2018 occupancy date. $60 million for 100,000 sqft post inflation seems like a very unlikely outcome, especially if we’re hoping for high quality.

They might be modelling it after Epic Waters, but it's actually going to look like this:

[skinzfan23]

From a financial standpoint I'd like to know how the math can workout as has been mentioned. How do you build 20,000 more square footage at a later date for less cost than a smaller place years before? Even if materials have leveled off labor is definitely not any less. Doesn't seem feasible at all.

That's why I was looking at some of the numbers last night as well. And when I saw the cost of the Dallas one at $88 Million for 80,000 sq ft 7-8 years ago, it made me think that the Bellevue one would be significantly less for quality with a $60 Million pricetag. One big difference might be the retractable roof they have in Dallas though. I don't think that the Bellevue one is supposed to have that and that might be a huge cost saving factor there. But I still find it hard to totally fund it and the land purchase for the size for only $60 Million.

[skinzfan23]

They might be modelling it after Epic Waters, but it's actually going to look like this:

To be honest, I think the Omaha area is long overdue for something like this and I wouldn't care if it looked like that on the outside but I would love it to contain both indoor and outdoor pool areas, with slides, lazy river, drop bucket and a wave pool.

If you have ever been to Mahoney the past few years to the wave pool, you can see there is demand. They have had to shut down the lines because they reached max capacity several times.

I think mine and everyone else's hope is that Bellevue has done the math and is truly dedicated to making this thing as good as it can be.....with their track record though, it is hard to believe it will be.

[thenewguy]

i hope it pans out, and i hope it's a hit. Without disrespect to fun plex, I can't believe the area is so limited on these kinds of things to do. There are other metros & markets with the same or more options than we have.

Another thing scheduled to open in 2026...

[Dusty]

I think it looks super cool. Yes, it's on the edge of the Metro, but probably hard to find enough land at a reasonable price in the city proper. I still want a full scale outdoor water park on the scale of Aquatica or Wet N Wild. Maybe Nebraska Crossing still has promise for that.

I agree with a lot of you on the casino/horse track. Scrap that as it doesn't really go well with the waterpark and the family vibe. I would rather see indoor karting or indoor adventure park next to it.

https://bolderadventurepark.com/ Also located in Dallas

[skinzfan23]

i hope it pans out, and i hope it's a hit. Without disrespect to fun plex, I can't believe the area is so limited on these kinds of things to do. There are other metros & markets with the same or more options than we have.

Another thing scheduled to open in 2026...

Those are my exact thoughts all the time. Sioux Falls, SD has a nice waterpark and they are pretty isolated from any major tourist routes or major cities. There is also one of the best in the entire country in Waterloo, IA. I just don't get it, it is so hot here and we have no major bodies of water, and add that we are right on an interstate that goes from coast to coast, Omaha is surely overdue in this regard.

As for the completion of 2026 that was my first thought on this project if it happens. (Mutual HQ, streetcar wrapping up, new Omaha library, Holland expansion, airport expansion well on its way, downtown soccer stadium) Just so much momentum in Omaha's favor right now. Of course most of us were here for the failed WallStreet tower and the HDR downtown HQ so we know the downside of getting excited with plans and renderings.

[skinzfan23]

I think it looks super cool. Yes, it's on the edge of the Metro, but probably hard to find enough land at a reasonable price in the city proper. I still want a full scale outdoor water park on the scale of Aquatica or Wet N Wild. Maybe Nebraska Crossing still has promise for that.

I agree with a lot of you on the casino/horse track. Scrap that as it doesn't really go well with the waterpark and the family vibe. I would rather see indoor karting or indoor adventure park next to it.

https://bolderadventurepark.com/ Also located in Dallas

100% agree. We have all stated that Bellevue needs to find its niche. That could be it. They are never going to properly develop Old Towne, so why not try this and make it a great family destination, only 10-15 min from the best Zoo in the US and downtown Omaha.