SIOUX CITY — Although a new waterpark in Sioux City won't open until 2025, construction on Siouxland Splash is slated to begin this year on a 10-acre parcel along Highway 75.
The project is something Sioux City Economic Development Director Marty Dougherty is looking forward to.
"I think it's going to be very exciting for the community," Dougherty said.
Frontline Development, LLC, a group of local investors, intends to invest an estimated $12 to $15 million to build the waterpark. Sioux City currently has several public pools and splash pads, but no waterparks.
"It's going to be pretty exciting," said Dougherty, who said the northeast side of Sioux City is ripe for further development. "We're seeing interest in that area. I think with a major amenity like this waterpark, we're going to see additional development in that area. In general, I think that whole area is going to take off."
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A rendering of Siouxland Splash, a waterpark proposed on Highway 75 N, is shown.
Joe Zehring, partner and co-owner of Frontline Development, LLC, told the Sioux City Council that the park will have a lazy river, wave pool and one of the biggest kids zones in the Midwest.
"We're going to have a huge slide tower with actually a really iconic slide. It's going to be the first one in the United States," Zehring said. "We're going to really try and make a big impact for Sioux City here. We want to make this a really fun staple in the community."
On Jan. 22, the City Council voted unanimously to accept Frontline Development's proposal to purchase land for the development of the multi-phase waterpark at 3820 Highway 75.
Under the terms of the development agreement, Siouxland Splash, LLC will purchase roughly 10 acres at the site at a cost of $22,946 per acre. The group of investors will make a payment of $100,000 at closing and the balance will be paid over five years.
Siouxland Splash LLC will commit to paying up to $250,000 toward a proportional share of the street improvements and regional storm water pond to serve the site. The group will also enter into a minimum assessment agreement of $7 million beginning Jan. 1, 2026, which will continue for 10 years.
Siouxland Splash, 3820 Highway 75, is under design by a team of waterpark consultants, according to city documents.Â
In addition to selling Siouxland Splash, LLC the 10 acres, the city, in turn, will provide partial 75% property tax rebates of the new incremental taxes created by the value added to the property. Tax rebate assistance is estimated at $1.7 million over 10 years.
The road improvements for an entrance to the site are also part of the proposed development agreement, which states that the city will apply for Iowa DOT RISE grant funding for the improvements.
The city will also construct a regional storm water pond to serve the site at an estimated cost of $367,000, complete the construction of the sanitary sewer line project, and give Siouxland Splash LLC the option to purchase the remainder of the 42-acre site to accommodate future phases of the waterpark or related development.
