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A six-year plan to bring a waterpark to Fort Smith is about to become a reality.

Parrot Island Waterpark will celebrate the grand opening of its inaugural season on Saturday, May 23.

The $11 million project is a joint venture between the City of Fort Smith and Sebastian County.

The park will feature a wave pool, along with four water slides, a lazy river, an activity pool, and a themed children’s aquatic play area. Other amenities include private party pavilions, cabana rentals, food and beverage concessions, 800 complimentary deck and lounge chairs, over 250 complimentary water tubes, expansive grass lawns, and more, according to a news release.

Officials said construction is nearing completion on the new waterpark, which includes four large water slides, a wave pool, lazy river, and more.

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Parrot Island is located at Ben Geren Park, which also includes miniature golf, go karts, playground equipment, outdoor picnic areas and pavilions, softball and soccer fields, tennis courts, a 1.5 mile fitness and circuit walking trail, two 18-hole disk golf courses, over eight miles of paved bike trails, 11 miles of mountain bike trails, and a 27-hole county golf course. The watermark will replace the park’s swimming pool, which was closed in 2004.

“The region has eagerly awaited the opening of Parrot Island Waterpark,” said Ray Gosack, Fort Smith City Administrator. “Three years ago, voters overwhelmingly approved the use of a local sales tax to help finance the project. Now they’ll get to float, splash and slide in the region’s best waterpark in four short weeks.”

Richard Coleman, American Resort Management Senior Vice President, said the facility has been well planned with an exciting mix of slides and pools.

“The entire region should be confident of this entertainment destination that ranks with any similar sized project,” said Coleman. “It is now our job to bring the park to life with the highest level of guest service and experiences with a dedication to every single guest’s enjoyment of the waterpark.”

Tickets and season passes are now available for purchase, as well as reservations for birthday parties, company picnics and groups. One-day tickets range from $10-15 per person ($5 for non-swimmers). Season passes start at $59 per person or $199 for a family of four people.

For more information, visit parrotislandwaterpark.com.