Southern Star signs deal with Nickelodeon for N.O. theme park

A fledgling Baton Rouge company has signed a letter of intent with Nickelodeon Recreation, a division of the children’s television network, to redevelop the shuttered Six Flags amusement park in New Orleans East. David Crais, a consultant for Southern Star Amusement, confirmed the company reached a preliminary agreement with Nickelodeon late Monday night and will apply later this week for $100 million in GO Zone bonds to redevelop the park. Six Flags has been closed since Hurricane Katrina, and the park’s parent company recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Nickelodeon Recreation does not operate theme parks but it has properties in existing theme parks, such as Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla., and Los Angeles. Nickelodeon officials could not be reached for comment. Southern Star, a group made up of theme park veterans, has said it wants to reopen Six Flags as an amusement park with water attractions.—Stephanie Riegel