As the Bloomington City Council continues its talks on the development of the Mystery Cove Waterpark, Mall of America shoppers might soon be trading their shopping bags for swim trunks. In a recent update, the plans for the waterpark include a 220,000-square-foot building paired with a significant "pool hall" area spanning 144,000 square feet, slightly shrinking the project's swimsuit footprint from earlier proposals.

The $373 million splish-splash extravaganza aims to make a financial splash without soaking local taxpayers. Instead, a slice of Mall of America's property taxes will pool into the water park projects through tax increment financing (TIF), trying to keep it afloat, according to the City of Bloomington. There's also a tidbit for Bloomington locals who'll get to enjoy this watery wonder at a discount.

For thrill-seekers and lazy river loungers alike, the proposed Mystery Cove Waterpark promises a soak-filled adventure with a splash pad, a wave pool, 30 rides and slides, and the aforementioned lazy river. The Port Authority Administrator Holly Masek surfs up a statement about the water park's benefits: "MOA’s continued strong performance is essential to defraying the property tax that residents would otherwise need to pay, and supports the success of many other hospitality businesses in Bloomington," she said, as reported by the City of Bloomington.