Sebastian County unveiled plans Monday for a new aquatics center at Ben Geren Park in Fort Smith. They want people to see the design and give feedback at meetings on Monday and Tuesday night.
“It'll give the kids something to do here in Fort Smith, also give the parents something to do,” said Thomas Roots, a parent.
Roots plans to bring his two children to the water park when it opens. “I think it'll be good for the kids,” he said.
The county showed 5NEWS the new water park design plans. They include slides, play equipment, a lazy river, and a climbing wall.
“We went with the larger layout to try to attract people from further out so yeah we're expecting some good crowds out there,” said Sebastian County Parks Administrator Channon Toland.
Monday night in Fort Smith and Tuesday night in Greenwood people can look at the plans and talk with the design team.
“Hopefully everybody's happy with it and we can move forward,” said Toland.
The county says after the meetings Monday and Tuesday they still have to finalize the design and then take bids. That process should take a couple of months.
“Then we'll see construction starting most likely sometime late or early summer,” said Sebastian County Judge David Hudson.
Sebastian County and the city of Fort Smith agreed to split the cost of the $8 million project.
“Hopefully it gets done and in a quick manner and the weather stays fair so they can get it done,” said Roots.
They county says the aquatics center should open Memorial Day 2014.
Monday night’s meeting is at the Fort Smith courthouse from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday night’s meeting will take place at the Greenwood courthouse from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.