FORT SMITH (KFSM) - Next year, there will be a new water park in the River Valley for those who live in Fort Smith and the surrounding area. Crews have been working on building the new $10 million facility since last year.
This new aquatic center will feature a wave pool, lazy river, and four water slides. Coming up in October, workers will start building the children's area. Later in the month into November, the water slides will start being built.
Voters approved the initial propospal in 2012 which at the time held a price tag of $8 million. But the cost of the project went up to include more features the community wanted. The city and county will split the bill. "All aspects are in play in the construction expect for the children's play area, and of course we haven't put any of the water slides up yet," according to Sebastian County Judge David Hudson. "The wave pool, the lazy river, the bath house, and the supporting facilities will see work in all of those areas in the next month."
"There's a lot of excitement in the community about the project," said Hudson. "There's anticipation and its one that serves our region for many years to come."The water park is expected to attract nearly 1,300 visitors each day. Its set to be open Memorial Day weekend of the year 2015.