The September 16, 2025, Concurrent Bloomington City Council and Port Authority Meeting focused primarily on the financing for the proposed water park at the Mall of America. The meeting commenced with introductions from Holly Masic, the Port Authority Administrator, and her colleague Kevin Knaise, the Assistant Port Authority Administrator. They welcomed several key stakeholders present, including representatives from the Mall of America and financial advisors.
Masic provided a brief history of the water park project, noting that discussions have been ongoing since 2018. She emphasized the importance of diversifying the Mall's offerings, moving beyond traditional retail to include more experiential attractions, similar to existing water parks in Edmonton and New Jersey.
The presentation aimed to outline the current status of the project and the financing options available, including CPACE loans, which were to be discussed by financial experts present at the meeting. The council and port authority members were encouraged to ask questions following the presentation to clarify any aspects of the project.
As the meeting progressed, technical difficulties with the presentation equipment were noted, but the team remained focused on providing a comprehensive overview of the water park's potential impact on the Mall of America and the city of Bloomington.
In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to enhance the Mall of America's appeal through new attractions, with the water park project being a significant step in that direction. Further discussions and decisions regarding financing and project development are expected in future meetings.