Nickelodeon Universe New Orleans is set to open its doors in Louisiana, as the City of New Orleans and Southern Star Amusement have announced plans to create a new Nick water and theme park.

Southern Star is constructing the new park, Nick’s first outdoor theme park and second standalone amusement park as part of the City of New Orleans’ and SSA’s redevelopment plans for the existing 65-acre theme park space previously occupied by Jazzland/Six Flags in Eastern New Orleans.

Plans include installation of brand-new rides, including several major water-based attractions, and renovation of existing attractions, themed with Nick’s popular programs and characters such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go! and Avatar: The Last Airbender. Costumed characters, live interactive entertainment, retail shops, games, food establishments and more are also planned.

Construction begins this fall with a grand opening set for the end of 2010.