FORT SMITH (KFSM) -- A much anticipated water park in Fort Smith is almost ready for swimmers. It will open Memorial Day Weekend, on May 23.
“If you can't get out of town for a vacation -- we're going to bring the vacation to you!” General Manager Bill Miller said.
The slides are built and the water is flowing, but it’s not ready for visitors just yet.
“We're kind of fine tuning everything, adjusting all the features, and there's some landscaping, some sod going down, some planting, and just some general clean up,” Project Manager Justin Spafford said.
Miller said when it is ready, Parrot Island will be different than other water parks.
"You’re going to walk out of the park and say 'I learned how to hula dance today!’ Miller said.
There will also be limbo contests and art lessons in the sand.
Park planners said the wave pool at Parrot Island will be the only one in between Little Rock and Tulsa.
But it's not all about the slides and the splashing. Miller said it's about what's in the water, too. They'll be using a UV strobe to treat the water, which means less chlorine.
“It basically kills any bacteria, mold -- anything that's living in the water. So we will have to use a lot less chlorine to maintain our sanitation needs,” Miller said.
The admission prices are $15 for adults and $10 for children.
For every “A” a student earns in school on his or her report card, one dollar will be taken off the admission price, up to $5 off for one day.
For more information, visit the Parrot Island website.