MUMBAI: Viacom kid's entertainment brand Nickelodeon and Mall of America have announced a partnership to set up the first-ever stand alone Nickelodeon theme park in United States by spring 2008. This initiative is also part of a re-branding initiative of the Mall's seven-acre amusement park.

SpongeBob, Dora, Diego & Jimmy to come alive at first Nickelodeon theme park in US

An official announcement states that the construction will begin after the architectural plans are complete. Though the majority of the creative elements are in development, including the official name of the new park, one of the first rides to be introduced in the park is a roller coaster based the animated Nick series, Avatar: The Last Airbender. Construction is expected to begin in 2007.

Nickelodeon will also aim to establish its largest retail presence in the world at Mall of America, with a brand new Nick store occupying more than 4,000 square foot space, offering consumers items such as branded tee-shirts, souvenirs, novelties and more. The network will also introduce healthy dining options throughout the parks' eateries, in line with its four year old health and wellness pro-social initiative for kids and families, Let's Just Play.

Throughout the design and creative process, Mall of America and Nickelodeon will conduct research and gain feedback on different concepts and designs by working with an advisory panel of kid experts to weigh in on key decisions and issues, adds the release.