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Fort Smith approves waterpark slide contracts and renews manager amid audit and public outcry
Summary
The board approved $2.4 million in contracts to install water slides at Parrot Island Waterpark and separately authorized a one‑year management agreement with American Resort Management despite public calls to delay until an audit is complete; vote totals were 4‑3 (contracts) and 5‑2 (management).
The Fort Smith Board of Directors on March 17 approved two contracts totaling $2,416,110 to install water slides at Parrot Island Waterpark and separately authorized a management agreement with American Resort Management (ARM) for the 2026 operating season, despite repeated public concern about transparency and a pending audit into park operations.
Staff told the board that SSI Incorporated won the concrete and construction bid at $1,751,910 and Clarity Pools won the aquatics equipment and piping bid at $664,200; the combined amount is within the funds identified for the project. Several speakers during the public‑comment period urged the board to halt construction because the county remains a 50‑50 joint owner of the park and no amended ownership agreement had been finalized.
"Before any work is performed, I think the city needs to vote on whether or not they want to agree to the county no longer bearing responsibility for the park," resident Kim Fodge said, asking the city to pause construction until legal and financial responsibilities are clarified.
Joy McCutcheon and other commenters raised concerns about competitive bidding and perceived irregularities in past procurement for the park, saying the process had eroded public trust. Dane Williams and others criticized earlier votes that increased slide project costs over time and urged the board to exercise greater transparency.
Board debate focused on cost history, ownership terms and operational risks of replacing the operator midseason. One director noted the park has had both profitable and losing seasons and that net revenues are returned to the parks fund and not distributed as profit to partners. After debate, the board approved the two construction contracts 4‑3.
Separately, the board considered a resolution to authorize ARM to manage Parrot Island for the 2026 season and to direct staff to solicit management proposals for 2027. Several residents urged withholding payments to ARM and delaying any renewal until the audit is complete; the board discussed whether withholding payment would require agreement from the county and ARM. City staff explained ARM is paid 5% of gross monthly revenues and that large payments occur only when the park generates revenue.
Despite objections, the board approved the ARM management resolution 5‑2. Directors said they plan closer oversight, require improved reporting from ARM during the season and will solicit proposals for 2027. The pending audit was described as ongoing, with field work expected in April and a report possibly in late May or June.
The votes leave the slide contracts and the operator in place for the upcoming season; directors instructed staff to provide additional financial and operational reporting to the board and to proceed with the 2026 season preparations.
