News Summary
The redevelopment of the long-abandoned Six Flags New Orleans site has officially started, transforming it into a community hub with a water park, hotels, and retail spaces. Bayou Phoenix’s plans aim to revitalize New Orleans East, promising economic growth and job creation while fostering a family-friendly environment. After years of regulatory delays, this project is seen as a significant step towards restoring the area and providing new opportunities for residents and visitors.
New Orleans – The long-awaited redevelopment of the former Six Flags New Orleans site has officially commenced, over 17 years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the region and led to the park’s closure. The site, which has stood abandoned and overgrown since the storm submerged it in floodwaters, is set to be transformed into a vibrant community hub featuring a water park, hotels, and various retail spaces.
In 2023, after enduring two years of regulatory delays, Bayou Phoenix acquired control of the 200-acre site and entered a historic 50-year lease agreement with the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority for just $1 per year. This agreement mandates specific development milestones that must be met for continued use of the land.
Demolition efforts on the site began in October 2024, although initial progress was hindered by various delays. Significant advancements resumed in winter 2025, culminating in the demolition of the largest roller coaster, Mega Zeph, on February 5, 2025.
The redevelopment plan unveiled by Bayou Phoenix aims to foster a family-friendly environment, which includes an indoor/outdoor water park, a sports complex, and a family entertainment center. Additionally, the project will feature a resort hotel comprising 300 rooms, a franchise hotel with 100 rooms, and ample parking with more than 3,000 spaces.
This redevelopment represents a crucial step in revitalizing New Orleans East, an area that has faced economic challenges in recent years. The vision behind the plan includes not only reestablishing a recreational landmark but also boosting local job creation and encouraging economic growth within the community.
Historical Background of Six Flags New Orleans
Originally opened in 2000 under the name “Jazzland,” Six Flags New Orleans went bankrupt in 2002 before being acquired by Six Flags, which invested $20 million in upgrades and signed a 75-year lease with the city. However, the site suffered severe damage from Hurricane Katrina, which hit the region on August 29, 2005. The storm resulted in over 12 feet of floodwater inundating the park, forcing Six Flags to declare a $32.5 million total loss and seek to terminate the lease with a settlement of $10 million.
The lease was officially terminated in 2009 during Six Flags’ bankruptcy proceedings, leaving the park’s structures in a state of dilapidation. Over the following decade, various redevelopment proposals were introduced, including initiatives for a new amusement park, hotels, and an outlet mall, but none progressed to fruition. A significant proposal in 2016 for a $100 million amusement park failed due to the poor condition of existing structures on the site.
Current Support and Future Plans
The administration of Mayor LaToya Cantrell has expressed support for the redevelopment, viewing the project as an opportunity to transform the area and restore economic vitality to New Orleans East. Although the project initially stemmed from proposals involving NFL players, Bayou Phoenix’s plan garnered broader community support, allowing it to secure the necessary backing for their initiatives.
As preparations for redevelopment continue, discussions with potential tenants for the core components of the project are already underway. Bayou Phoenix aims to finalize these agreements in the near future, marking a significant transition for a site that has long lingered in the shadows of its former glory.
With plans in place and redevelopment underway, the former Six Flags New Orleans site is poised to be reborn, promising new opportunities for residents and visitors alike. This revival may not only rehabilitate a long-neglected space but also serve as a beacon of hope for future developments within the city.
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Additional Resources
- AccuWeather: Closed for Katrina – The Haunting Ruins of Six Flags New Orleans
- Google Search: Six Flags New Orleans
- Fox Weather: New Orleans Six Flags Abandoned Hurricane Katrina Demolished
- Google Scholar: Six Flags New Orleans Hurricane Katrina
- NOLA: Demolition of New Orleans Six Flags
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Six Flags New Orleans
- WDSU: New Orleans Six Flags Site Demolition Mega Zeph
- Google News: Six Flags Demolition New Orleans
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
