BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — A reimagined waterpark project first conceived more than three decades ago is again making a splash among Bloomington city leaders and officials at the Mall of America.
City documents show plans that were put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, then high inflation rates, are once again under consideration to build a new attraction at MOA, Mystery Cove Waterpark. The plans lay out financial needs as well as newly imagined features the parties hope will help take the final product into the 21st century.
"Continuing to keep the Mall of America destination fresh, and developing attractions and experiences that bring new audiences, is essential to the financial health of the mall," the report said. "They are a significant contributor to Bloomington’s tax base. MOA’s continued strong performance is essential to defraying the property tax that residents would otherwise need to pay."
Newly imagined features expected to adorn the waterpark include a fully retractable roof, 30 water slides and rides, food and beverage options, cabanas, daybeds and other special services.
The group plans to present financial proposals to the Bloomington City Council on Thursday.
City and mall representatives claim that opening the 143,000-square-foot waterpark would add new tax revenue to the city's general fund, while also allowing a percentage of profits to fund future community projects and development. Proponents also claimed they believed, when all is said and done, the park will continue to "generate high visitor traffic to MOA, Bloomington, and the region, assists the hospitality industry, and will create ongoing and construction jobs."
If approved, officials said construction is expected to begin in 2025, with an opening date scheduled for sometime in 2027.
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