Bellevue Waterpark Plans Set 5-Year Construction Timeline and Local Pricing Strategy

The Bellevue City Council meeting on August 19, 2025, focused on the development of a new indoor water park and associated amenities, with discussions centered on pricing, projected timelines, and traffic management.

City officials outlined plans for the Bellevue Bay Waterpark, which is expected to be the only all-inclusive indoor recreation facility in the region. The water park aims to attract visitors with competitive pricing, offering discounted rates for Bellevue residents and slightly higher rates for other Nebraska residents and out-of-state visitors. Current estimates suggest a day pass for a family of four will range from $55 to $65, while a seasonal pass could cost between $350 and $400. These figures are based on today's market and may fluctuate due to inflation or other economic factors by the time the park opens.

The water park is part of a larger development project that includes two hotels and is projected to be completed within five years. Full build-out of the entire district may take up to 15 years. The water park alone is expected to generate approximately $2.4 million in net revenue annually, based on conservative estimates from 2020.

Traffic concerns were also a significant topic during the meeting. Officials indicated that the initial impact on local traffic would be minimal, with a maximum capacity of 1,500 visitors at the water park and around 500 parking stalls available. Plans are in place to manage traffic flow, including road expansions and new access points, such as the Fort Creek Road extension, which will provide a second entrance for residents of Normandy Hills.

Overall, the Bellevue City Council emphasized the potential economic benefits of the water park and surrounding developments, aiming to enhance local recreation options and provide property tax relief through increased revenue. The council remains committed to addressing community concerns as the project progresses.