January 31, 2005

Council Bluffs plans for water park while Nebraska gets a shot at amusement park

This growing entertainment corridor in the Bluffs will soon include a new Bass Pro Shop World superstore and an expansion of the Bluffs Run Casino. City officials have stated there is a growing need for additional hotel rooms in the area and the water park has been in the plans since the Mid-America Center project began.

The proposed complex would include a Marriott hotel with about 170 rooms and a 40,000 square-foot indoor-outdoor water recreation area. Estimated building costs are around $25 million.

The purchase agreement for the land is still being worked out between Capital Management and the Southwest Iowa Foundation. If all goes well, the facility could open in early 2006.

Council Bluffs lost the proposal to build an amusement park near this area in 2003. Steve Minard of Papa's Park LLC failed to secure the necessary funding for his Wild Escape project that would have included indoor and outdoor rides.

Minard claims he has now secured the financial backing from private investors but has shifted his plans to Nebraska as he looks for a site to build the multi-million-dollar project. He would like to build the park near exit 426 on I-80. The location is halfway between Omaha and Lincoln.

Other attractions at this exit include the Strategic Air & Space Museum, Mahoney State Park. the Henry Doorly Zoo Wildlife Safari Park and the Quarry Oaks Golf Course. 

Steve Reeder, a real estate developer with CB Richard Ellis/Mega in Omaha has been researching sites for the amusement park. Discussions are just beginning with land owners in this area so no further information is available.