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Fort Smith board approves Parrot Island slide installation after heated debate and calls for audit
Summary
After extensive public comment questioning Parrot Island’s finances, procurement and safety, the Fort Smith Board of Directors approved a revision to expand Parrot Island with slide-installation contracts and a $1.275 million appropriation from the general fund reserve in a 4–3 vote. Several directors said they will pursue audits and legal review.
The Fort Smith Board of Directors voted 4–3 on Jan. 20 to approve revised contracts and an appropriation to install new water slides at Parrot Island Waterpark, capping a meeting in which residents repeatedly called for an independent audit and questioned procurement practices.
The board approved two related measures: an appropriation of $1,274,935 from the city’s general fund reserve and contracts with Royal Ridge Construction to install waterslide components ($1,059,934.12) and an optional pump-house package ($680,000), for a presented package totaling about $1.74 million. Staff said the estimated total project cost, including equipment, site work and amenities, would be roughly $2.69 million using remaining project funds and interest earnings.
Why it mattered: Citizens and some board…
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