8 replies to this topic

[TheRandomGuy]

Hey guys.
For the past few weeks, I did a lot of research on Six Flags New Orleans about whether it was going to reopen or not. I then found out that last year, the city of New Orleans called for proposals for anyone who wanted to take over the park's property. There were eight entries. About a month after the bid closed, New Orleans chose two of the eight proposals:
An outlet mall and a green theme park.
However, I couldn't find any information of which of the two proposals New Orleans chose. If the park does reopen, it will turn back into the old "Jazzland" theme and replace many of the old rides with new rides and keep some of the coasters (including Jester and Mega Zeph).
So tell me what you think they should do to the park (if it reopens) and what rides should add, remove or keep.

[commando]

There was a proposal for a new them park in the area of what used to be SFNO. I don't remember the details but it involved a GCI woodie and a Intamin Mega Lite. The Stig posted some info about it in the coaster longest thread a while ago.

[TheRandomGuy]

^ Actually, the green theme park has a website for its proposal with all the rides they're planning to build and keep.
Jazzland proposal

[TheRandomGuy]

Wow. Its been a while since someone has posted something on here. So heres whats been going on lately with the park:

In August 2011, New Orleans called for proposals to take over the former Six Flags New Orleans theme park, which has been abandoned since Hurricane Katrina hit the site in 2005. Later in November 2011, two proposals were chosen: a 400,000 square foot upscale outlet mall and a new green theme park. In February 2012, the committee of New Orleans chose the outlet mall instead of the green theme park. Later, on March 7, 2012, the city allowed the outlet mall to be built on the Six Flags site. However, the developers of the proposal are expected to conduct a period of due diligence and pre-construction that could last 12-24 months. The outlet mall will be constructed along with an entertainment boardwalk which will keep some of the rides part of the Six Flags site.

So what do you think about the choice the city has made? Do you think its a good or bad idea? Which rides do you want the mall to keep?

[The Stig]

^^^ That theme park is going in Houma, which is on the other side of New Orleans from the old SFNO site.

I remember hearing rumors about an opened-year-round amusement/water park opening on that site. I remember hearing about the big outlet mall, too. Isn't Donald Trump somehow involved with that project?

I always kinda thought that all of the old SFNO rides were beyond saving.
But since you asked, here's my shortlist:

-Mega Zeph
-The Jester
-Zydeco Scream
-VooDoo Volcano
-Mad Rex
-King Chaos
-Dizzy Lizzy
-Bayou Blast & Sonic Slam
-The Big Easy
-The Skycoaster
-Ponchatrain Flyers
-That floorless, inverted swinging ride that rotated. I forget the name. It was yellow.
-Joker's Jukebox
-Lex Luther's Invertatron
-Catwoman's Whip
-oh yeah, and Laffitte's Plunge. It gets hot out there.

... pretty much the two, big coasters and all the flat rides. Because we had some awesome flats! I could do without the log ride, the wild mouse, and the motion simulator, they kinda sucked. My choice would be to sell/scrap those and get something new. Or at least, something better than Mr. Six's hand-me-downs.

EDIT: Actually, the motion simulator was pretty sweet until SF changed it to Spongebob. I'd love to get shot out of that chinese cannon one more time.

[Old_Hag]

I'm pretty sure America has enough malls already....

[TheRandomGuy]

^ I completely agree with you.

Its been a while.
So, if the city does go with the outlet mall, Provident and DAG will lease the property for two years. When the two years are up, the developers of the outlet mall could either build the mall or walk away. If they do walk away, hopefully the park will be left with the refurbishment plan.

Also, 20th Century Fox is filming a movie in the park and will be done this August.

[The Stig]

SFNO was underwater for almost a month and left to rot for the past six and a half years. If the park were to ever re-open as an amusement park, it would require a lot of money. Not just the rides, though. You have to think about the shops and food places. Then think about the electricity and plumbing, it all needs to be repaired. All the freaking light bulbs. This ain't no RCT.

Now I want all of you to look at the surrounding area. The place is crap. The park was in a terrible, terrible location beyond the outskirts of New Orleans, in Chalmette (BFE). The last time I visited the area was about a year ago. There are still neighborhoods that are completely empty. And whole city blocks with remnants of what used to be Burger Kings, Best Buys, and Chevrolet dealerships.

Think about the situation from a businessman's perspective. We would have a small park with one good CCI, one backwards Vekoma, and a handful of flats. After all the work done to get the park back in operation, how long do you suppose it would take before it started to generate a profit? Even if it is the only decent amusement park within 400 miles..... Sad, I know

As much as it urks me to admit, the outlet mall/half a former Six Flags thing is probably the best plan for the site. It would provide business, jobs, and a small boost to tourism to the Chalmette area.

Now even better still. Opposite of New Orleans from Chalmette is a city called Houma.
And they're planning to build this beautiful creation.
Jeff Hensley has worked with Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, and other parks including old Jazzland. I've been following news and updates about Bon Temps Family Theme Park since I first heard about it a year ago. My expectations for the park rise higher every time I hear a new bit of news. This place is going to be bigger and better than SFNO ever thought to be. If it's all done right, within 10 years, Bon Temps will be competing with all the major nearby parks: SFOT, WoF, SFOG, & BGT.

[TheRandomGuy]

You're absolutely right, Stig.
It would take several years to get the money, and it would probably take just as long to refurbish the park. Also, it might not be the greatest thing for an abandoned amusement park, once open with amazing rides, to be replaced by a mall, but I'll admit it, its better to see a mall (even with refurbished rides, which pleases me), rather than seeing an amusement park left to rot forever (which is a HUGE eyesore IMO).

I'm also glad that a new amusement park, that looks much better than SFNO, is gonna take place. It makes me feel so much better that you told me about that! Hopefully, that won't get hit by a hurricane.