Parrot Island Waterpark financial review and future management
Fort Smith
Summary
The city was asked to cover $144,000 of the park's year-end operating shortfall amid an ongoing fraud investigation and unpaid invoices. The board tabled the appropriation to December, and several directors questioned whether the city should stay in the water park business at all.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 2
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Nov 2, 2026.
Impact analysis
$144,000 city share of an estimated $287,936.11 shortfall — tabled, so no money moves yet.
Taxpayers who want accountability before more money is spent — for now, no funds were committed.
Vendors and park employees awaiting payment, and possibly the park's winterization work if funding lapses.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Board of Directors - Regular Meeting - Nov 2, 2026
The city was asked to cover $144,000 of the park's year-end operating shortfall amid an ongoing fraud investigation and unpaid invoices. The board tabled the appropriation to December, and several directors questioned whether the city should stay in the water park business at all.
Board of Directors - Study Session - Oct 27, 2026
The agreed-upon procedures found the park's books don't reconcile month to month, vendors are going unpaid, and the park has under $5,000 in cash while owing roughly $230,000. The city and county are on the hook for those bills, and the Board wants the next management contract to lock in strict financial reporting.
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