Demolition begins at abandoned Six Flags park

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - More than 19 years after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the park, the old Six Flags in New Orleans East is coming down.

Developer Troy Henry confirmed demolition has begun on the property. He expects demolition to be completed by January 2025, paving the way for the new Bayou Phoenix development.

Henry, a New Orleans resident, said the work will bring a major eye-sore to an end.

"It has been a source of blight for my neighborhood and the community, the immediate community for many years. You know we just made the decision to make a difference. The old expression is if not you, who? If not now, when?" he said.

The Bayou Phoenix plan includes lodging, shopping, sports fields and other attractions.

"A family will be able to get there on Thursday or Friday park their car and never have to touch their car until Sunday when they leave. Watch their kids play sports, watch them swim in the water park, clearwater beach lagoon, play in the family entertainment center, have a fun time at Bayou Phoenix," Henry said.

He told Fox 8 he expects construction to begin early next year.

New Orleans East resident Julie Dillon welcomed the news of the demolition.

"When you begin to see things actually happening, well of course it's just a wonderful feeling because you know, oh wow, this is really starting to happen. It makes you feel good, it makes me feel good," she said.

City Councilmember Oliver Thomas represents the area and said the land presents an opportunity.

"We can start to see that the city is taking pride making sure the developer and the community, clear it, clean it up, stop it from being a dumping site, and making sure that when people see drive by they can see a prestigious, strategically located piece of property be ready for investment," he said.

Henry said more information will be released about the project on Nov. 12.